Microsoft released an out-of-band update to fix a significant issue with its Windows 11 security update (KB5066835) that rendered essential USB devices non-functional in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). This fix was distributed to all Windows 11 users six days after the initial update. The flaw affected versions 24H2 and 25H2 of Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025. Users are advised to avoid resetting their PCs or entering recovery mode until further notice.
Additionally, the October update has other known issues, including problems with smartcard authentication, challenges in playing protected content with certain DVD and BluRay applications, failed updates using shared network folders, and potential loading failures for IIS websites. Microsoft has resolved the smartcard authentication issue but has not yet addressed the IIS website problem.
In recent months, Microsoft has faced multiple bugs associated with its updates, including SSD malfunctions in August and a "latent code issue" in its Intune software in April. Last year, a bug led to unexpected upgrades for older Windows Server versions, causing system crashes, and Microsoft had to retract a preview of a Windows 11 update due to identified problems.