Forum Discussion
The Update That Made USB Keyboards and Mice Useless in Recovery Mode
After installing a recent Windows 11 update, my USB keyboard and mouse stop working entirely when trying to access recovery mode or advanced startup options. This issue prevents me from using essential troubleshooting tools or resetting my system, making recovery impossible with USB peripherals connected. The devices work fine during normal operation but become unresponsive specifically in recovery mode, leaving me stranded without input devices. I am seeking advice on how to fix this problem so I can regain control of my system during recovery processes, and whether there are any known solutions or workarounds for this USB input issue caused by the latest update.
3 Replies
Connect your keyboard and mouse to different USB ports, preferably USB 2.0 ports if available, as they are more likely to be supported in recovery mode.
The issue you're experiencing is a known bug caused by the Windows security update KB5066835, released on October 14, 2025. This update unintentionally broke USB device support specifically within the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and Advanced Startup Options. Your USB keyboard and mouse work fine in normal Windows because the full drivers are loaded, but WinRE lacks those drivers after this update.
I’d start outside Windows first, because Recovery Mode depends heavily on firmware/USB handoff.
Try a basic wired keyboard/mouse plugged directly into the PC, preferably rear motherboard USB ports on a desktop, not a hub or dock. Then check BIOS/UEFI settings for options like Legacy USB Support, USB keyboard support, or XHCI hand-off, and make sure they’re enabled. A BIOS/firmware update can also help if this changed after a Windows update.
If you need recovery urgently, boot from a Windows 11 installation USB and choose Repair your computer. That uses a separate WinRE environment and may get input working long enough to roll back the update or use System Restore.
