Windows 11 KB5070773 is rolling out as an out-of-band update to address a broken Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) caused by the October 2025 Patch Tuesday (KB5066835). Our tests confirmed that the keyboard and mouse no longer work in WinRE, which renders the recovery process unusable.
On October 14, Microsoft issued Patch Tuesday security updates for all supported versions of Windows. For Windows 11 24H2/25H2, Microsoft released KB5066835, which installs automatically. But as soon as we installed the mandatory update, we noticed that localhost no longer connects.
Microsoft used server-side updates to quickly reverse changes that broke localhost, but the second problem, which breaks Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), cannot be rolled back via server-side changes. It requires an out-of-band (OOB) update. That’s why we’re now getting Windows 11 KB5070773 (OOB) for all PCs using version 24H2 and 25H2.
This patch is titled “2025-10 Cumulative Update for Windows 11, version 25H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5070773) (26200.6901),” and it shows up for download automatically, whether you want it or not.
Initially, this update might appear as optional, and you’ll be given a choice to “Download & install” or skip it by tapping on the ‘X’ close button.
However, Microsoft officials told me that October 20th’s out-of-band (OOB) update will automatically install via Windows Update. After you install the update, version 25H2 bumps to Build 26200.6901, while version 24H2 gets 26100.6901.
But do you really need this update? I would say yes. If you’re confident you’ll not run into BSOD or other major issues that require WinRE (Windows Recovery), you can skip the update. Otherwise, you should install it. It is also worth noting that the November 2025 Patch Tuesday, which releases on November 11, will include the WinRE patch.
Direct download links for Windows 11 KB5070773 (WinRE patch)
Windows 11 KB5070773 Direct Download Links: 64-bit and ARM-64 | This opens Update Catalog, where you just need to tap on “Download.” It’ll open a pop-up with two links. First gives you this patch, while the second gives you an SSU (a prerequisite). You don’t need SSU if it’s already installed (should be on most PCs).
You don’t have to go through the Update Catalog route unless the update is not installing via Windows Update or it’s not showing up for some reason.
Tested: How the October patch broke WinRE and why you need to install Windows 11 KB5070773
We regularly test Windows updates across 100+ virtual machines and dozens of real hardware. While using Windows 11 KB5066835 (October 2025 Patch), our tests confirmed that this month’s update renders WinRE unusable with no access to keyboard and mouse.
WinRE is one of the most important features of Windows, even if you are not an advanced user. For example, when Windows crashes or hits a Blue/Black Screen of Death (BSOD), you’ll automatically boot to WinRE, which looks like the following screenshot:
You’re given options to reboot, troubleshoot, reset Windows, boot using USB, or, if you made a change to the hardware, there’s also an option to boot directly to the BIOS menu and tweak settings. That’s the whole point of WinRE. Help you RECOVER Windows when nothing is working.
After the October 2025 Patch Tuesday, we noticed that the cursor doesn’t show up in the Windows Recovery Environment. But even worse, the keyboard would not respond. Finally, I had to force a reboot of Windows to get back to the desktop.
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. I wonder if that’s also botched up in a recent update.
“This issue prevents navigation of any of the recovery options within WinRE,” a Microsoft official told Windows Latest. “Note that the USB devices continue to work normally within the Windows operating system.”
I can confirm that Windows 11 KB5070773 (out-of-band) update finally patches the problem, and I’m able to use the mouse or keyboard inside WinRE. I tested the patch across five different configurations of Windows 11, including 24H2 and 25H2. Everything looks good now.
Microsoft says you need a PS/2 controller if you’re already stuck on WinRE without a mouse/keyboard and unable to install the WinRE emergency update
If you’re really unlucky, you might be stuck on WinRE and unable to install the Windows 11 KB5070773 (out-of-band) update. In that case, Microsoft told me to use the touchscreen if the PC supports it or just get yourself a PS/2 keyboard or mouse. PS/2 still works
“If your PC has a PS/2 port, you can use a PS/2 keyboard or mouse to navigate within WinRE,” Microsoft officials explained. But in a worst-case scenario, when nothing works, you can use a USB Recovery drive, which will allow you to boot your computer.
But remember, either use an older ISO of Windows 11 24H2/25H2 or create an ISO with this patch.
I don’t really think users would be stuck on the WinRE. This can only happen if you installed the affected update and intentionally or unknowingly booted to WinRE. Or Windows crashed, and is now stuck on WinRE. There are no other possible reasons that would justify the situation.
