Why can't I use keyboard or mouse in Windows Recovery ? in windows 11

Question

Why can't I use keyboard or mouse in Windows Recovery ? in windows 11

Floppa G 45

i enable legacy usb to fix problem and still not working ? any idea

Serge Ayotte 0 Reputation points

2025-10-17T18:05:38.8433333+00:00

Same with me... Keyboard and mouse stopped working after the last Update (pre-25h2) in the recovery mode. Was working correctly before the last update. Thought it may be my wireless combo, so unplugged all USB device, plugged a wired KBD/Mouse, rebooted in Windows, did the SHIFT-RESTART, and still no keyboard and mouse...

I missed the "old" F8 while booting to get in safe mode...
Neal Hart 15 Reputation points

2025-10-17T21:30:12.94+00:00

I have basically the same problem. After the latest update, on my desktop windows would boot to the login screen but there's no mouse and no keyboard so you can't enter the pin to get into windows. I restarted and I was able to get in safe mode but the mouse and keyboard wouldn't work in safe mode either so what I had to do is shut down three times and get into recovery mode, advanced startup and uninstall the latest update and that made it so that the keyboard and mouse worked again. I immediately went in and paused updates. I don't know what the problem is maybe it's core isolation where windows is blocking an old driver and won't let it load up for USB.
Will M 0 Reputation points

2025-10-18T10:31:59.0166667+00:00

I’m having the same problem as of the update I can’t even get to my Home Screen lost the Your pin has been lost message and my mouse and keyboard won’t work in the recovery screen. Now they want me to re download windows…
Anthony C 0 Reputation points

2025-10-18T21:09:01.38+00:00

I am having the exact same problem as you, I cannot use Winre, I cant use windows auto repair bc I get a logfile/srttrail.txt error, and i cant reset from a ISO USB file because for some reason the windows install isnt seeing my pc disks. I legit have no idea what to do and i think im just screwed
CB 0 Reputation points

2025-10-18T22:45:49.3866667+00:00

Sigh... I made the mistake of installing 25H2 today and needed to get into safe mode. I have this same issue, never encountered this before today. Mouse and keyboard stop working once you enter the Recovery screen, post-reboot.

Tried other USB ports, but of course that wasn't the solution. Searched online and found this thread.
Michal Lenart 0 Reputation points

2025-10-19T13:12:17.79+00:00

Same me :) and Artifacts on Taskbar too after i downgrade version from newest Microsoft update i have zero artifacts xd Good update Microsoft thank u so much u afgejopdvposj..dvasôldjvsadsvpolvdsjpodvspjovdspojdvsdvspjio
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This comment has been deleted due to a violation of our Code of Conduct. The comment was manually reported or identified through automated detection before action was taken. Please refer to our Code of Conduct for more information.
Bill Chaffin 0 Reputation points

2025-10-19T16:05:39.6833333+00:00

I too have been experiencing this same issue . At first I tought it might have been Rufus that was causing this but it seems to be yet another bug that Microsoft has inflicted on our machines . Lets all hope that this is resolved soon.
Tyler 0 Reputation points

2025-10-19T22:13:22.8233333+00:00

I went into msconfig and turned on safeboot without the network, now when I turn on my computer I cannot login due to not setting up a pin, I would login through email verification but I can’t anymore because I don’t have a connection. And I am also not able to use my mouse and keyboard in advanced startup due to the update. Does anyone know what I should do? Is there a way I can fix this or do I need to buy a new computer
jay 0 Reputation points

2025-10-20T00:11:06.3633333+00:00

Same thing happend to me today, just built my new pc intsalled windows 11 and now it won't let me put my pin in. Also can't safe boot to fix the pin issue because my keyboard or mouse don't work at the windows recovery/troubleshooter, can't even factory reset to reinstall windows....Is their any workaround to this?
CrazyKats 11,885 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-10-20T00:16:50.57+00:00

Please refer to my post below.

It's a Known Issue and being worked on.
Conrad Sharp 0 Reputation points

2025-10-20T08:34:29.06+00:00

I have same issue, tried to buy BF 6 but says secure boot not on, I checked it's not, followed guide to turn on in recovery mode and mouse and keyboard don't work so I can't change anything ... I tried system restore to before last update but it still doesn't work in recovery mode...
FF 0 Reputation points

2025-10-20T15:26:53.3733333+00:00

Same issue. Just started today. PC stayed on long enough just once for me to open Device Manager and see several failed drivers prior to kicking me into death cycle of forced reboots. Cannot use wired keyboard regardless of USB port while in Recovery. Stuck.
JamesD 0 Reputation points

2025-10-22T04:52:18.8633333+00:00

Hi there, I'm sure this has already been written, but I was able to recover the system using a recovery disk made by my laptop. It had not updated yet so I was able to get in and choose my save point from before enabling verifier. If you are going to make a recovery disk, please be aware you may need to disable Live Protection from Windows Defender or it may crash out and not make the drive.
Thecharcoaletiquette 0 Reputation points

2025-10-22T22:28:58.02+00:00

Well, I chatted in with Microsoft support last night regarding my computer not installing the last 2 updates before knowing of this lose of keyboard issue. After going through some steps the agent said I had corrupt files and needed to re-install Windows 11. When the computer finished it went to putting in the recovery key, which I did, and then it takes me right to select Keyboard Layout and at the screen the keyboard stops working. I even got a wired keyboard and plugged it into the USB 2.0 port as recommended. Still no keyboard. Frustrating since its fine on the previous screen. The agents last suggestion is to use a diff computer to load Win 11 disk image onto a USB and then load it into my pc. I struggle to see how thats any different than what the pc is currently trying to do or how that will make the keyboard work. Anyone know if this is the only option?
Jamie Greene 0 Reputation points

2025-10-26T04:45:42.4566667+00:00

I am completely stuck right now and desperately need help. I accidentally removed administrator rights on both of my users for my PC, so I have no admin rights whatsoever. The solution for getting admin rights back involves booting into windows recovery mode -- now my mouse and keyboard both do not work in windows recovery mode -- tried wired connection, tried multiple usb ports. I figured it must've been the latest update to Windows 11. I try to go back and uninstall the latest update...I need admin rights though.
wenbang 85 Reputation points

2025-10-26T05:13:39.6966667+00:00

Hi @Jamie Greene,

I understand your situation, and it is indeed a desperate one. This is a "perfect storm" or "deadlock" where two critical problems have happened at the same time:

You lost Admin rights.

The Windows Recovery (WinRE) environment is broken by the recent update (the bug that stops USB keyboards/mice).

You are correct. You can't fix the WinRE bug (install updates) because you have no admin rights, and you can't get admin rights back because WinRE is broken.

I have seen this exact scenario before. When this happens, command prompt methods often fail, and the only reliable way to fix this is System Restore.

You must use an external Windows 11 Installation Media (USB drive) to bypass your PC's broken system. You will need to use a different, working PC to create this media, as you don't have admin rights.

Once you boot from the USB drive, you can access the "Repair your computer" options. From there, you can launch System Restore (which should work, as it's running from the USB) and choose a restore point from before you lost your admin rights.

I have written a step-by-step guide for this exact "deadlock" scenario on my blog, including how to create the media on another PC and the exact steps to launch System Restore.

(The article is in Japanese, please use your browser's translation feature): https://windows-waza.com/how-to-change-back-after-changing-win11-administrator-account-to-standard-user/#index_id1

Good luck! This is a complicated problem, but that guide should walk you through it.

7 answers

Your answer

Serge Ayotte 0 Reputation points

2025-10-17T18:05:38.8433333+00:00

Same with me... Keyboard and mouse stopped working after the last Update (pre-25h2) in the recovery mode. Was working correctly before the last update. Thought it may be my wireless combo, so unplugged all USB device, plugged a wired KBD/Mouse, rebooted in Windows, did the SHIFT-RESTART, and still no keyboard and mouse...

I missed the "old" F8 while booting to get in safe mode...
Neal Hart 15 Reputation points

2025-10-17T21:30:12.94+00:00

I have basically the same problem. After the latest update, on my desktop windows would boot to the login screen but there's no mouse and no keyboard so you can't enter the pin to get into windows. I restarted and I was able to get in safe mode but the mouse and keyboard wouldn't work in safe mode either so what I had to do is shut down three times and get into recovery mode, advanced startup and uninstall the latest update and that made it so that the keyboard and mouse worked again. I immediately went in and paused updates. I don't know what the problem is maybe it's core isolation where windows is blocking an old driver and won't let it load up for USB.
Will M 0 Reputation points

2025-10-18T10:31:59.0166667+00:00

I’m having the same problem as of the update I can’t even get to my Home Screen lost the Your pin has been lost message and my mouse and keyboard won’t work in the recovery screen. Now they want me to re download windows…
Anthony C 0 Reputation points

2025-10-18T21:09:01.38+00:00

I am having the exact same problem as you, I cannot use Winre, I cant use windows auto repair bc I get a logfile/srttrail.txt error, and i cant reset from a ISO USB file because for some reason the windows install isnt seeing my pc disks. I legit have no idea what to do and i think im just screwed
CB 0 Reputation points

2025-10-18T22:45:49.3866667+00:00

Sigh... I made the mistake of installing 25H2 today and needed to get into safe mode. I have this same issue, never encountered this before today. Mouse and keyboard stop working once you enter the Recovery screen, post-reboot.

Tried other USB ports, but of course that wasn't the solution. Searched online and found this thread.
Michal Lenart 0 Reputation points

2025-10-19T13:12:17.79+00:00

Same me :) and Artifacts on Taskbar too after i downgrade version from newest Microsoft update i have zero artifacts xd Good update Microsoft thank u so much u afgejopdvposj..dvasôldjvsadsvpolvdsjpodvspjovdspojdvsdvspjio
Deleted

This comment has been deleted due to a violation of our Code of Conduct. The comment was manually reported or identified through automated detection before action was taken. Please refer to our Code of Conduct for more information.
Bill Chaffin 0 Reputation points

2025-10-19T16:05:39.6833333+00:00

I too have been experiencing this same issue . At first I tought it might have been Rufus that was causing this but it seems to be yet another bug that Microsoft has inflicted on our machines . Lets all hope that this is resolved soon.
Tyler 0 Reputation points

2025-10-19T22:13:22.8233333+00:00

I went into msconfig and turned on safeboot without the network, now when I turn on my computer I cannot login due to not setting up a pin, I would login through email verification but I can’t anymore because I don’t have a connection. And I am also not able to use my mouse and keyboard in advanced startup due to the update. Does anyone know what I should do? Is there a way I can fix this or do I need to buy a new computer
jay 0 Reputation points

2025-10-20T00:11:06.3633333+00:00

Same thing happend to me today, just built my new pc intsalled windows 11 and now it won't let me put my pin in. Also can't safe boot to fix the pin issue because my keyboard or mouse don't work at the windows recovery/troubleshooter, can't even factory reset to reinstall windows....Is their any workaround to this?
CrazyKats 11,885 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-10-20T00:16:50.57+00:00

Please refer to my post below.

It's a Known Issue and being worked on.
Conrad Sharp 0 Reputation points

2025-10-20T08:34:29.06+00:00

I have same issue, tried to buy BF 6 but says secure boot not on, I checked it's not, followed guide to turn on in recovery mode and mouse and keyboard don't work so I can't change anything ... I tried system restore to before last update but it still doesn't work in recovery mode...
FF 0 Reputation points

2025-10-20T15:26:53.3733333+00:00

Same issue. Just started today. PC stayed on long enough just once for me to open Device Manager and see several failed drivers prior to kicking me into death cycle of forced reboots. Cannot use wired keyboard regardless of USB port while in Recovery. Stuck.
JamesD 0 Reputation points

2025-10-22T04:52:18.8633333+00:00

Hi there, I'm sure this has already been written, but I was able to recover the system using a recovery disk made by my laptop. It had not updated yet so I was able to get in and choose my save point from before enabling verifier. If you are going to make a recovery disk, please be aware you may need to disable Live Protection from Windows Defender or it may crash out and not make the drive.
Thecharcoaletiquette 0 Reputation points

2025-10-22T22:28:58.02+00:00

Well, I chatted in with Microsoft support last night regarding my computer not installing the last 2 updates before knowing of this lose of keyboard issue. After going through some steps the agent said I had corrupt files and needed to re-install Windows 11. When the computer finished it went to putting in the recovery key, which I did, and then it takes me right to select Keyboard Layout and at the screen the keyboard stops working. I even got a wired keyboard and plugged it into the USB 2.0 port as recommended. Still no keyboard. Frustrating since its fine on the previous screen. The agents last suggestion is to use a diff computer to load Win 11 disk image onto a USB and then load it into my pc. I struggle to see how thats any different than what the pc is currently trying to do or how that will make the keyboard work. Anyone know if this is the only option?
Jamie Greene 0 Reputation points

2025-10-26T04:45:42.4566667+00:00

I am completely stuck right now and desperately need help. I accidentally removed administrator rights on both of my users for my PC, so I have no admin rights whatsoever. The solution for getting admin rights back involves booting into windows recovery mode -- now my mouse and keyboard both do not work in windows recovery mode -- tried wired connection, tried multiple usb ports. I figured it must've been the latest update to Windows 11. I try to go back and uninstall the latest update...I need admin rights though.
wenbang 85 Reputation points

2025-10-26T05:13:39.6966667+00:00

Hi @Jamie Greene,

I understand your situation, and it is indeed a desperate one. This is a "perfect storm" or "deadlock" where two critical problems have happened at the same time:

You lost Admin rights.

The Windows Recovery (WinRE) environment is broken by the recent update (the bug that stops USB keyboards/mice).

You are correct. You can't fix the WinRE bug (install updates) because you have no admin rights, and you can't get admin rights back because WinRE is broken.

I have seen this exact scenario before. When this happens, command prompt methods often fail, and the only reliable way to fix this is System Restore.

You must use an external Windows 11 Installation Media (USB drive) to bypass your PC's broken system. You will need to use a different, working PC to create this media, as you don't have admin rights.

Once you boot from the USB drive, you can access the "Repair your computer" options. From there, you can launch System Restore (which should work, as it's running from the USB) and choose a restore point from before you lost your admin rights.

I have written a step-by-step guide for this exact "deadlock" scenario on my blog, including how to create the media on another PC and the exact steps to launch System Restore.

(The article is in Japanese, please use your browser's translation feature): https://windows-waza.com/how-to-change-back-after-changing-win11-administrator-account-to-standard-user/#index_id1

Good luck! This is a complicated problem, but that guide should walk you through it.

Answer 1

wenbang 85

Hi everyone,

Especially for @Floppa G and others experiencing this, I've been investigating this issue deeply. The problem seems to be caused by a hidden update (KB5067039) that is applied alongside the main cumulative update (like KB5066835). This update seems to affect the USB drivers in the WinRE image.

While we wait for an official fix from Microsoft, I have created an automated batch file that safely extracts a clean winre.wim from a Windows 11 ISO and applies it to the system. This has solved the problem for me and others.

Please use it at your own risk. The full guide and the script are on my blog (the article is in Japanese, but please use your browser's translation feature):

https://windows-waza.com/mouse-and-keyboard-not-responding-in-windows-recovery-environment-the-cause-is-kb5067039/

Hope this helps those who can't wait for the official patch.

Anonymous

2025-10-19T08:15:52.02+00:00

https://free.blessedness.top/en-us/windows/release-health/status-windows-11-25H2#3696msgdesc
jay 0 Reputation points

2025-10-20T00:07:57.0866667+00:00

is this safe? i have never had an issue like this before
wenbang 85 Reputation points

2025-10-20T00:44:59.48+00:00

Hi @jay,

Yes, it's a safe method. I designed the batch file to be as safe as possible for this exact reason.

Here’s why it's safe:

It uses official files: The script extracts the original, working winre.wim directly from a genuine Windows 11 ISO file. It doesn't use any modified or third-party files.

It backs up your current file: Before it replaces anything, the script automatically creates a backup of your existing winre.wim in a "Backup" folder. If anything goes wrong, you can restore the original file.

It fixes a specific bug I identified: The problem isn't with your PC. I investigated this myself and identified the root cause as a bug from a recent Microsoft update that broke the USB drivers in the Recovery Environment. My tool simply replaces the broken recovery file with a clean one.

It's understandable to be cautious. I tested this solution on my own system before sharing it. You can read the full technical details and see a video of it working on my blog.

However, if your situation isn't urgent, I would recommend waiting for the official fix from Microsoft. My tool is intended for those who need an immediate solution.
jay 0 Reputation points

2025-10-20T00:53:05.6733333+00:00

Alright thanks @wenbang might give it a go. I have my old pc to use till i can figure this out, could this glitch resovle itself over time and microsoft fixes it? or would i still need to login to get the newest windows update?
wenbang 85 Reputation points

2025-10-20T00:59:10.9766667+00:00

Hi @jay,

That's an excellent question, and it gets to the heart of the problem. It's also smart to have a backup PC to use in the meantime!

To answer your questions:

Yes, Microsoft will fix this. They have already officially acknowledged the problem and will release a fix in a future Windows Update. The glitch should "resolve itself" automatically once you install that update.

This leads to your very important second question: How do you get the update?

If your PC can still boot into Windows normally: You are in a good position. You don't need to do anything special. The fix will arrive as a regular cumulative update. You'll just need to check for updates in Settings > Windows Update in the coming days or weeks.

If your PC is completely stuck and cannot boot into Windows:__ Then you are in a difficult spot, because you can't get online to download the fix. This is the exact situation where my tool becomes necessary to repair the system so you can boot again.

My recommendation for you:

Since you have another PC to use and are not in an urgent situation, the safest and easiest option is to simply wait for the official Microsoft update to arrive through your normal Windows Update process.

My tool is really designed for people who are stuck or absolutely need to use the recovery features immediately.

Hope that makes sense and helps you decide!
wenbang 85 Reputation points

2025-10-21T00:18:50.1533333+00:00

Hi @jay,

Good news! Following up on our previous conversation, Microsoft has now released an official out-of-band update, KB5070773, which completely fixes the WinRE mouse and keyboard issue.

Since your PC can boot into Windows normally, you should be able to get this fix simply by checking for updates in Windows Update (Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates).

As we discussed, waiting for the official patch was indeed the safest approach for non-urgent situations like yours. My workaround tool is no longer necessary for this specific issue.

Hope this helps confirm the resolution for you!

Answer 2

CrazyKats 11,885 Volunteer Moderator

Hi,

It's a Known Issue.

https://free.blessedness.top/en-us/windows/release-health/status-windows-11-25H2#3696msgdesc

CB 0 Reputation points

2025-10-19T14:46:08.1+00:00

Thank you

Answer 3

MattJ 0

I just got my keyboard to work by booting into a windows 11 install media USB (which is the Windows RE..) and selecting uninstall latest quality update from the troubleshooting menu, then rebooting. My mouse also didn’t work previously, but for some reason did doing the recovery this way, otherwise I couldn’t have selected anything at all.

Answer 4

CrazyKats 11,885 Volunteer Moderator

Hi Christian,

The issue has been resolved in the

latest update that's been released.

Neal Hart 15 Reputation points

2025-10-21T22:44:19.0233333+00:00

What is the update KB #?
CrazyKats 11,885 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-10-21T22:48:35.4666667+00:00

Yesterday's KB was 5070773.

Today's is KB5067036.
©Ste2ven 0 Reputation points

2025-10-24T14:27:26.75+00:00

Confirmed, the newest update has fixed this problem. Now I can boot into recovery with mouse and keyboard.

Answer 5

Rez 4,715 Independent Advisor

Thanks for posting in the community. If you're unable to use your keyboard or mouse in Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) on Windows 11, try the following troubleshooting steps:

Check USB Ports: Switch to different USB ports, preferably USB 2.0, as USB 3.0 may not work in WinRE.
Use Wired Devices: Ensure you are using wired keyboards and mice, as wireless devices may not function correctly.
Disable Fast Startup: If possible, disable fast startup in Windows through Control Panel to prevent potential issues with peripherals in recovery mode.
Check for Faulty Hardware: Test your devices on another PC; if they don't work, consider replacing them.
Boot into Safe Mode: If you can access Windows, try Safe Mode to diagnose possible driver issues.
System Restore: Use System Restore in Recovery Environment to revert to a previous working state.
Repair Installation: If needed, perform a repair installation of Windows 11 to fix issues while keeping personal files.
Clean install: As a last resort, consider a full system reinstall after backing up your data, as it will erase everything on the system drive.

Wong SY 5 Reputation points

2025-10-19T07:27:26.7+00:00

I have the same problem - something is wrong with the latest updates
Jason Henderson 0 Reputation points

2025-10-20T06:38:07.2933333+00:00

So are you the windows promotional boy in the chat you realize that to do most of what you suggested the pat "windows tech support bible/bullshit" we would need to be able to access the USB drives or use the mouse and keyboard!!! Oh right the stated problem.
Nicholas Koa 0 Reputation points

2025-10-20T21:26:42.29+00:00

you are completely out of touch. it's a known issue.

https://free.blessedness.top/en-us/windows/release-health/status-windows-11-25H2#3696msgdesc

but then again, you're likely an AI-assisted microsoft bot. you know- the type of person or entity that lets these huge bugs in thru the code releases to begin with. :")

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Why can't I use keyboard or mouse in Windows Recovery ? in windows 11

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