A new glitch introduced by the October update for Windows 11 is causing issues for users trying to access the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). This bug renders USB devices such as keyboards and mice unusable in WinRE, leaving users unable to navigate recovery options.
The October Patch Tuesday update, which rolled out on October 14, 2025, aimed to address over 170 security vulnerabilities but has resulted in this unexpected problem. According to Microsoft, the glitch affects both Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 versions, as well as Windows Server 2025. The company is actively working on a fix that should be released soon.
To navigate WinRE despite the bug, users can resort to a workaround: using a legacy PS/2 keyboard or mouse, as these devices are not impacted by the glitch. If this option is not available, another alternative is to uninstall the recent update if users can still boot into Windows normally. This can be done through Windows Update by selecting Update History and following the prompts to uninstall the KB5066835 update.
Beyond the WinRE problem, the October update has also led to additional issues, including some affecting IIS websites and File Explorer preview functionality. Microsoft has acknowledged these issues and is expected to provide solutions in future updates.
For those impacted, it is a matter of waiting for the upcoming fix or employing the temporary workarounds until a permanent resolution is made available.