- KB5070773 for Windows 11 Out-of-band update released on October 20, 2025, to fix the WinRE bug introduced by the October Patch Tuesday update.
- The problem prevented users from using USB devices, such as a keyboard and mouse, in the recovery environment.
- This bug affects devices running Windows 11 25H2 or version 24H2, and Windows Server 2025.
Microsoft is now releasing the Out-of-band (OOB) update KB5070773 as builds 26200.6901 and 26100.6901 for Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 to address a bug in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) that resulted on users unable to use USB keyboard and mouse while in this experience.
The bug was introduced after the Windows 11 security update (KB5066835) was released on October 14, 2025. According to the company information, this update fixes “USB devices, such as keyboards and mice, do not function in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). This issue prevents navigation of any of the recovery options within WinRE.”
It’s important to note that this problem only affected USB devices in the recovery environment. However, these devices didn’t experience the same problem during normal operating system operation.
On October 14, the software giant began rolling out the latest Patch Tuesday update with new features and security fixes for every supported version of the operating system. However, soon after, a small number of users started experiencing issues trying to use USB devices to navigate the recovery environment.
The company quickly acknowledged the issue and is now making available the Out-of-band update KB5070773 to address it on affected devices.
Windows 11 update KB5070773
- Release date: October 20, 2025.
- Builds: 26200.6901 (25H2) and 26100.6901 (24H2).
- Purpose: Fixes USB devices not working within WinRE.
- Affected versions: Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2, and Windows Server 2025.
- Not affected: Windows LTSC releases.
The emergency update KB5070773 contains fixes to resolve the recovery environment problem. Since this is a cumulative update, it’ll also install the new features and changes related to the October 2025 Security Update KB506683 if the computer hasn’t already included this update.
If you have a computer that was affected by this bug, you should install this update immediately by going to Settings > Windows Update, and clicking the “Check for updates” button.
Alternatively, you can download and install the update KB5066189 from the Microsoft Update Catalog for Windows 11.
Out-of-band (OOB) updates explained
Out-of-band updates are emergency patches released outside the regular monthly schedule. Microsoft issues them to address urgent problems (such as newly discovered security flaws or critical bugs) that can’t wait for the next Patch Tuesday.
These updates are cumulative, meaning they include all previous fixes (security and non-security) plus the new targeted resolution.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech in 2010. With over 22 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.
Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.
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