USB peripherals Archives

Winsage

October 21, 2025

Microsoft rushes out emergency Windows 11 patch after botched update breaks Recovery — restores USB keyboard and mouse input inside WinRE for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2

Microsoft released a patch, KB5070773, on October 14 to restore USB keyboard and mouse functionality in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. This update addresses a bug from cumulative update KB5066835 that rendered the recovery interface unusable on certain systems. Users had reported that USB peripherals worked in the main Windows environment but not in WinRE, which is crucial for accessing tools like Startup Repair and the "Reset this PC" feature. Recent security updates had also compromised the "Reset this PC" functionality, leading to emergency releases from Microsoft. The patch KB5070773 is now available for affected users, and it is recommended to install it to ensure recovery options remain accessible.

Winsage

October 20, 2025

Windows 11’s October update causes a serious recovery mode glitch – but there’s a workaround

The October Patch Tuesday release from Microsoft on October 14, 2025 (KB5066835) addressed over 170 security vulnerabilities but introduced a glitch affecting the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), rendering USB devices non-functional for navigation. This issue impacts Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, as well as Windows Server 2025. Microsoft is aware of the problem and is working on a resolution. A workaround involves using an older PS/2 keyboard or mouse. Other reported issues include IIS websites failing to load on local machines and a malfunctioning File Explorer preview window for cloud or internal network files, with Microsoft acknowledging the IIS issue and working on a fix.

Winsage

October 19, 2025

Windows 11 Update Breaks USB Keyboards and Mice in Recovery Environment

Microsoft's October update to Windows 11, identified as KB5066835, has caused USB keyboards and mice to become non-functional in the Windows Recovery Environment (RE), preventing users from accessing essential recovery tools. This issue does not affect older PS/2 keyboard and mouse models. Microsoft has acknowledged the bug and is working on a fix. The update has also caused complications with localhost connections, impacting developers. The affected versions include Windows 11 25H2, Windows 11 24H2, and Windows Server.

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.

Winsage

August 7, 2025

Updating your Linux kernel sounds scary, but here’s why it’s no different from a Windows update

Updating the Linux kernel is generally straightforward and low-risk, similar to Windows updates. Most Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, and Linux Mint, manage kernel updates automatically through the package manager. When a new kernel is installed, the previous version remains intact, allowing users to revert to it if necessary via the GRUB boot menu. Kernel updates provide essential security patches, bug fixes, and improved hardware support. While manual installation of a kernel is possible, it is not required for most users. Tools are available for easier management of kernel versions, but the update process is designed to be user-friendly and safe.

Winsage

June 2, 2025

‘Two firm promises of USB-C on Windows 11’ — How Microsoft plans to eliminate connectivity confusion

USB-C ports are standard on contemporary Windows laptops, but not all deliver the same performance. A recent blog post by Microsoft revealed that 27% of Windows PCs with USB4 ports experience a "limited functionality" notification when connecting peripherals. This issue arises from inconsistent USB-C implementations by manufacturers, often leaving users unaware of their ports' capabilities. To address these challenges, Microsoft is updating the Windows 11 Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) to ensure that laptops shipping with Windows 11 version 24H2 will have WHCP certification. This certification guarantees universal USB data, charging, and display support across all USB-C ports, and full compatibility for USB4 ports with 40Gbps performance with Thunderbolt 3 and USB4 peripherals. The WHCP will enforce minimum capabilities for each USB-C version, requiring USB-IF certified silicon in certified laptops, ensuring USB Power Delivery capabilities for all ports, and mandating DisplayPort Alt Mode for external display support. Additionally, a new requirement for Microsoft's driver stack will ensure PCs receive the latest USB driver updates. USB4 introduces two performance tiers: 40Gbps and 80Gbps. New laptops with USB4 connections at 40Gbps will be required to ensure compatibility with USB4 and Thunderbolt 3 accessories. WHCP certification will also apply to 80Gbps USB4 ports, mandating 80Gbps transfer speeds and a specific mode for high-resolution displays. The WHCP certification will be enforced through a Hardware Lab Kit, incorporating user feedback and automated testing.

Winsage

February 14, 2025

Windows Server 2022 KB5051979 released, direct download .msu

The February 2025 security patch for Windows Server 2022, KB5051979, resolves issues with Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) devices and USB peripherals that previously displayed error code 10. It upgrades the system to Build 20348.3207, fixing a memory leak related to predictive input ideas and issues with the Device Health Attestation service. The update also addresses crashes related to symbolic links and acknowledges lingering harmless errors from the January 2025 update, specifically concerning the System Guard Runtime Monitor Broker Service. Users of OpenSSH and Citrix may face conflicts due to the January update. Some fixes are also applied to Windows 10 with KB5051974. Additionally, Microsoft has resolved a boot error in Windows Server 2025 and released cumulative updates KB5051989 and KB5051987 for Windows 11.