USB functionality Archives

Winsage

January 31, 2026

I Switched From Windows 11 to Linux Mint. Here Are 7 Things It Does Way Better

Linux Mint is a free operating system that can be downloaded without any licensing fees, in contrast to Windows 11, which costs between 9 for the Home Edition and 9 for the Pro Edition. It has minimal hardware requirements, running efficiently on traditional AMD- or Intel-based systems, with a 3GB installer and support for devices with as little as 2GB of RAM. Linux Mint features a cleaner and more organized desktop interface compared to Windows 11, with three different editions: Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce, catering to various user preferences. Users can test Linux Mint risk-free via live USB drives, and it operates without AI features, unlike Windows 11. It collects minimal diagnostic data, prioritizing user privacy. However, Linux Mint does not support major software like Adobe Creative Cloud or Microsoft 365 desktop applications, and some hardware drivers may be lacking. Users may need some technical knowledge for optimal use.

Winsage

October 22, 2025

Windows update breaks USB support in recovery mode

Microsoft's security update KB5066835, released on October 14, 2025, has rendered USB mice and keyboards inoperable within the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). This issue affects users of Windows 11 24H2, 25H2, and Windows Server 2025. Bluetooth devices are also unsupported in WinRE due to its minimal driver set. Users can restore USB functionality by booting from a previously created USB recovery drive or by uninstalling the update if their system is still functioning. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue but has not provided a timeline for a fix.

Winsage

October 21, 2025

Microsoft’s emergency Windows 11 update fixes a nasty system recovery bug

Microsoft has released an out-of-band update for Windows 11, identified as KB5070773, on October 20, 2025. This update addresses an issue from the October 14 monthly update that disrupted the functionality of the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), preventing users from using USB mice or keyboards for recovery tasks. The update restores USB functionality in WinRE for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2.

Winsage

October 17, 2025

Windows 11 update breaks Advanced Startup, disables keyboard and mouse

Users are experiencing issues accessing BIOS and Safe Mode after installing the October 2025 update KB5066835, which has rendered input devices like keyboards and mice non-functional during the Advanced Startup environment. Complaints indicate that the update has disrupted essential functionalities, including IIS and localhost. Users have attempted various solutions, such as changing USB ports and disabling fast startup, but these have not resolved the issue. Some users reported success by replacing the problematic Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) image file with an older version. A workaround to access Safe Mode involves creating a Windows 11 installation USB, booting from it, and using Command Prompt to set the system to boot into Safe Mode. The issue appears to affect systems with USB 3.0-only ports, while some laptops retain functionality with built-in keyboards. Microsoft has not yet acknowledged the problem, but a resolution is expected soon.