Windows Update Break Your Recovery Mode? Here's the Fix

 If your computer has felt a little off after the last Windows update, you're not alone. Microsoft just had to rush out an emergency update for windows 11 for a pretty scary-sounding bug. Don't worry, though—we've got the simple lowdown on what happened and how to make sure you're protected.

Wait, What Happened?

In mid-October, Microsoft released a regular security update (with the boring name KB5066835). But this one had a hidden flaw. It created a critical bug that could leave you stuck if your computer ever ran into serious trouble.

So, What Was the Actual Problem?

The bug was sneaky. Here’s the problem:

• Your USB keyboard and mouse worked perfectly fine... in your normal, everyday Windows.

• But they completely stopped working... if you had to start up in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

 WinRE is the special troubleshooting screen you get into when your PC can't start normally. It's where you go to fix major problems, run system restores, or reinstall Windows. If you can't use your keyboard or mouse there, you're basically locked out of your own repair shop.

Okay, That Sounds Bad. What's the Fix?

Microsoft acted fast and released an "out-of-band" emergency update called KB5070773. Think of an "out-of-band" update as a special delivery outside their normal schedule—that's how serious this was.

This new update specifically fixes the problem with USB keyboards and mice in the recovery environment.

I'm a Bit Confused. Which Update is Which?

Let's clear it up:

• The "Bad" Update: KB5066835 (October 14). This is the one that accidentally broke things.

• The "Good" Fix: KB5070773 (Late October). This is the new emergency update that repairs the damage.

The great news is that the "good" update is cumulative. That means it doesn't just fix the recovery bug; it also includes all the security patches from the "bad" update and previous ones. So, you're getting all your protections and the fix in one go.

What Should I Do Now?

The simplest thing is to let Windows Update do its job.

1. Check for Updates. Go to Settings > Windows Update and click "Check for updates."

2. Install It. The update KB5070773 should automatically download and install. You might need to restart your computer.

It's strongly recommended to install this as soon as possible. You never know when you might need those recovery tools, and this fix ensures they'll actually work when you do.

Who Needs to Worry About This?

This fix is crucial for anyone running:

• Windows 11 version 24H2

• Windows 11 version 25H2

• Windows Server 2025

If you're on an older version of Windows, you weren't affected by this particular bug.

The Bottom Line:

Think of this emergency update as an important insurance policy. It’s a small, fast install that ensures your safety net (the recovery environment) is strong and usable if you ever fall. Take a minute to check for updates and keep your system running smoothly!

Have you installed the update yet? Let me know if you had any issues in the comments below