Windows 11 24H2/25H2 Update Blocks Mouse and Keyboard in Recovery Mode

Microsoft’s October 14, 2025 update KB5066835 for Windows 11 (24H2/25H2) and Windows Server 2025 causes USB keyboards and mice to fail within WinRE, hindering recovery operations, and is linked to additional issues such as localhost connection failures, installation errors, blank File Explorer previews, and sluggish performance. Microsoft acknowledged the problem on October 17 and is working on a fix; interim guidance advises avoiding WinRE, using installation media for recovery, or uninstalling KB5066835 (with the caveat of reintroducing security exposure).