troubleshooting issues Archives

Winsage

October 20, 2025

Windows 11 update takes out USB ports in recovery mode

Microsoft has acknowledged a significant issue affecting users of Windows 11 version 25H2 (2025 Update) after installing security update KB5066835, released on October 14. This bug disrupts the functionality of USB mice and keyboards within the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). The malfunction occurs when users access WinRE, which can be triggered by multiple failed startup attempts or manually interrupting the boot process. While USB devices work normally in the Windows environment, they fail in WinRE, complicating troubleshooting efforts. Microsoft is working on a fix, promising a resolution "in the coming days." Additionally, users have reported other issues related to smartcard authentication, failures of the Windows Update Standalone Installer, and difficulties with server-side applications dependent on Internet Information Services (IIS).

Winsage

October 19, 2025

Windows 11’s October update just broke the Windows Recovery Environment — USB keyboards and mice unusable in Windows RE after latest bug hits

The Windows Recovery Environment (RE) has become ineffective for many users due to a bug introduced in the October build of Windows 11 (KB5066835), which disables USB keyboards and mice in the recovery interface. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and is working on a fix. Users with older PS/2-connected peripherals are not affected by this glitch. The bug impacts various versions of Windows 11 and has raised concerns among IT professionals, as it hinders critical system repairs.