Emergency Update KB5070773 Released for Windows 11 to Resolve Recovery Issues in 25H2 / 24H2

Windows 11 KB5070773 has begun rolling out as an urgent out-of-band update designed to rectify issues stemming from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) disruption caused by the October 2025 Patch Tuesday update (KB5066835).Our assessments have verified that users experienced a lack of functionality with both keyboard and mouse in WinRE, effectively rendering the recovery process nonfunctional.

On October 14, Microsoft deployed its Patch Tuesday security updates for all currently supported Windows versions. For Windows 11 24H2/25H2, the automatic installation of KB5066835 was implemented. However, shortly after installation, we observed that the localhost connectivity was disrupted.

To mitigate this issue, Microsoft executed server-side updates that reversed the changes affecting localhost. Nevertheless, the subsequent issue regarding the malfunctioning Windows Recovery Environment necessitates an out-of-band update. This is the reason for the release of Windows 11 KB5070773 (OOB) for all systems running versions 24H2 and 25H2.

This specific patch, named “October 20, 2025—KB5070773 (OS Builds 26200.6901 and 26100.6901) Out-of-band, ” will automatically appear for download, regardless of user preference. Users will need to reboot their systems to complete the installation process.

Should You Install the Out-of-Band Update?

In our professional opinion, installing this out-of-band update is advisable. If you are certain that you won’t encounter a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) or any other significant issues that would require access to WinRE, you might opt to delay the update. However, for most users, its installation is prudent, particularly given that the upcoming November 2025 Patch Tuesday, scheduled for November 11, will inclusively address the WinRE glitches.

Direct Download Links for Windows 11 KB5070773 (WinRE Patch)

For those seeking direct download access, here are the links for KB5070773: 64-bit (Update Catalog)

Impact of Windows 11 KB5066835 on WinRE: An Analysis

Our team systematically conducts tests on Windows updates across over 100 virtual machines and multiple real hardware setups. Through our evaluations of Windows 11 KB5066835, we confirmed that this month’s update compromises the usability of WinRE, preventing any interaction via keyboard or mouse.

WinRE remains a critical component of the Windows ecosystem, regardless of user expertise level. For instance, if a system crashes or encounters a Blue/Black Screen of Death (BSOD), it typically defaults to the WinRE interface, which can be illustrated in the accompanying screenshot.

This interface provides crucial recovery options such as rebooting, troubleshooting, resetting Windows, or booting from a USB drive. Additionally, for hardware adjustments, users can access the BIOS menu directly. The primary function of WinRE is to facilitate the recovery of your Windows installation when all other options fail.

Post-October 2025 Patch Tuesday, we observed troubling issues within WinRE: the cursor was absent, and the keyboard exhibited no responsiveness. Ultimately, I had to execute a forced reboot to regain access to the desktop environment.

Without functional mouse and keyboard support in WinRE, the provided recovery tools become altogether ineffectual—leaving users unable to click or type anything. In such scenarios, the only alternative may involve utilizing an old PS/2 keyboard, assuming the hardware still possesses a functioning PS/2 port. It raises concerns whether other recent updates have impacted such legacy features.

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