Microsoft has taken swift action to address a significant issue affecting the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) following an update released on October 14. The newly issued patch, identified as KB5070773, aims to restore functionality for USB keyboard and mouse inputs within WinRE for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. This update effectively reverses a bug that rendered the recovery interface unusable on certain systems.
The problem, which Microsoft confirmed over the weekend, originated from the cumulative update KB5066835. Users reported that while USB peripherals functioned normally within the main Windows environment, they ceased to respond when accessing the recovery environment. This disruption is particularly concerning, as WinRE serves as the primary access point for essential tools such as Startup Repair and the “Reset this PC” feature—critical resources when a system fails to boot.
In a related context, recent security updates for both Windows 10 and 11 had already compromised the “Reset this PC” functionality entirely, prompting Microsoft to issue emergency releases to rectify the situation. The rapid response to this latest issue suggests that the company is keen to mitigate any potential fallout ahead of November’s Patch Tuesday, which is still weeks away.
Implications of the Update
While Microsoft has declared the issue resolved with the release of KB5070773, this incident underscores the fragility of the company’s update process. WinRE is intended to act as a safety net during critical failures, yet consecutive issues that disrupt recovery features raise questions about the reliability of these updates.
KB5070773 is now available for users running Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. For those whose systems are still operational, it is advisable to install this patch proactively, ensuring that recovery options remain accessible should the need arise.
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