Microsoft’s recent mandatory security update has sparked considerable concern among users, with many describing the situation as a “total disaster.” The update has led to significant issues, including localhost connection problems and a troubling breakdown in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), which has rendered essential peripherals like mice and keyboards non-functional, effectively immobilizing PCs.
Emergency Update Details
According to Windows Latest, the emergency update, designated as “Windows 11 KB5070773,” is being rolled out as an out-of-band solution to address the critical issue of non-responsive input devices in WinRE, which hampers the recovery process. While the localhost issue was resolved server-side, the more pressing concern requires users to download and install the update manually—though it is designed to occur automatically for all Windows 11 PCs operating on versions 24H2 and 25H2.
The update, formally known as “2025-10 Cumulative Update for Windows 11, version 25H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5070773) (26200.6901),” will appear for download without user intervention. Microsoft has confirmed that it will automatically install via Windows Update. Upon installation, version 25H2 will upgrade to Build 26200.6901, while version 24H2 will be updated to 26100.6901.
Users are encouraged to proceed with the installation unless they are exceptionally confident in their systems’ immunity to the WinRE issue. Delaying the update is not advisable, as it will be bundled with next month’s updates regardless, making procrastination a futile exercise.
Microsoft has acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating, “this issue prevents navigation of any of the recovery options within WinRE,” a predicament that many are labeling as a “total disaster.”
Emergency update is now here.
Windows Latest
The implications of non-functional input devices in WinRE are stark. As one expert noted, “If the mouse and keyboard don’t work in WinRE, the recovery tools are basically useless… You can’t click or type. What are you going to do? Your only chance might be an old PS/2 keyboard, but only if your PC still has a PS/2 port and it actually works.”
In the midst of these challenges, Windows 11 has achieved its largest install base since launch, surpassing 50% adoption, largely due to users transitioning from Windows 10 ahead of the October 14 deadline. However, the transition is not without its complications, as many users grapple with eligibility issues affecting an estimated 200 million PCs. It remains to be seen how many have taken advantage of the free 12-month security extension to mitigate risks.
Additionally, Microsoft is addressing other issues stemming from the latest security updates. Reports indicate that some users are encountering errors related to smart card authentication and certificates. Specifically, smart cards are failing to be recognized as valid Cryptographic Service Providers (CSPs) in 32-bit applications, leading to difficulties in signing documents and executing functions reliant on certificate-based authentication.
Microsoft has provided a temporary workaround for those affected, suggesting that users set the DisableCapiOverrideForRSA registry key value to 0. However, Neowin warns that while a fix is available, it will not be delivered through Windows Update, as it necessitates modifications to the Windows Registry—a process that carries inherent risks. Incorrect changes to registry values can lead to significant system malfunctions, underscoring the importance of caution in such matters.
