Microsoft has issued an out-of-band update for Windows 11 to fix a bug that disabled USB keyboards and mice inside the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) on some systems.

The cumulative update, KB5070773, targets Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 and is available now. Microsoft says the issue appeared after installing the October 14, 2025 security release (KB5066835), leaving users unable to navigate recovery options even though USB input worked normally once Windows booted.

Release date and versions

KB5070773 was released on October 20, 2025. Installing it moves systems to the following builds:

  • Windows 11 version 25H2: OS Build 26200.6901
  • Windows 11 version 24H2: OS Build 26100.6901

What the update fixes

Microsoft lists one primary fix in this out-of-band release:

  • Resolves an issue where, after installing the October 14, 2025 security update (KB5066835), USB devices such as keyboards and mice would not function in WinRE, preventing navigation of recovery options. USB devices continue to work normally within the Windows operating system.

Availability and rollout

KB5070773 downloads and installs automatically from Windows Update and Microsoft Update. For administrators who prefer manual deployment, the standalone package is available in the Microsoft Update Catalog. When using the catalog, the package may include multiple MSU files that must be installed in a specific order.

Microsoft provides supported command-line installation options using DISM or PowerShell:

DISM /Online /Add-Package /PackagePath:c:\packages\Windows11.0-KB5070773-x64.msu

Add-WindowsPackage -Online -PackagePath "c:\packages\Windows11.0-KB5070773-x64.msu"

If you need to remove the latest cumulative update after installation, use the DISM Remove-Package option with the LCU package name. Removing via wusa.exe /uninstall will not work because the package includes the servicing stack update (SSU).

Known issues and other changes

Microsoft notes a lingering media playback issue that began with the August 29, 2025 preview update and later updates: some Blu‑ray/DVD and Digital TV apps might fail to play protected content. The problem is partially mitigated for apps that use Enhanced Video Renderer with HDCP enforcement in recent updates, but some applications that use DRM for digital audio may still be affected. Microsoft recommends installing the latest updates while it investigates a long‑term fix.

This release also updates AI component packages. These AI components are only applicable to Copilot+ PCs and will not install on non‑Copilot+ Windows PCs or Windows Server.

AI component Version
Image Search 1.2509.1022.0
Content Extraction 1.2509.1022.0
Semantic Analysis 1.2509.1022.0
Settings Model 1.2509.1022.0

Finally, the update includes servicing stack improvements (SSU KB5067360, version 26100.6893) to ensure reliable delivery of future updates. Microsoft’s overview of SSUs is available here.

If your device can still reach the desktop, installing KB5070773 now ensures WinRE remains usable the next time you need to repair or reset your PC.