[For English Readers]
This article explains a bug where the mouse and keyboard do not work in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) after a Windows Update. We provide a fully automated batch file (.bat) to fix this issue by extracting and replacing the winre.wim file from a Windows 11 ISO. Please use your browser's translation feature to read the full guide.
[Resolved] KB5070773 has fixed the WinRE issue! (Updated 10/21/2025)
The issue of mouse and keyboard not responding in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) explained in this article was fixed by the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) released by Microsoft on October 20, 2025.Fixed completely by out-of-band (OOB) update "KB5070773".
[Solved] Mouse and keyboard not working issue in WinRE fixed with KB5070773
▼ Microsoft official information
- October 20, 2025 – KB5070773 (OS Builds 26200.6901 and 26100.6901) Out-of-Band (Microsoft Support)
- Windows 11 version 24H2 known issues and notices
Windows Update screenIf you check for updates from and apply KB5070773, WinRE will work properly (WinRE version will be updated to 10.0.26100.6901).
As a result of testing in my environment,Even in environments where "winre.wim" was previously replaced using the automated batch file on this site, applying KB5070773 will fix the issue without any problems.It has been confirmed.
As a result, the "winre.wim" replacement work using the batch file introduced in this article can be done as follows:Basically it's no longer needed.(However, we will continue to keep this article up as a technical guide on how to manually update a WinRE image.)
[Regarding minor issues] During my testing, I occasionally found that when I selected "Continue" from the modified WinRE environment and restarted Windows, the keyboard would sometimes stop responding on the sign-in screen.Unplug and plug in the USB keyboard.This solved the problem. This problem did not occur when restarting normally.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Microsoft for their prompt response to the fix and to our readers who provided information and cooperated in verifying the issue.
【2025/10/21 postscript】According to valuable reports from readers, there are cases where, even after installing KB5070773 via Windows Update, the WinRE version remains old (10.0.26100.6891), and the mouse and keyboard unresponsiveness issue persists.
I have also observed a similar phenomenon in some environments.
[Troubleshooting] If the WinRE version does not change even after applying KB5070773
For those of you using Windows 11 version 24H2 and 25H2, have you recently been experiencing problems with your PC, such as your mouse and keyboard suddenly becoming unresponsive in the Windows Recovery Environment (blue screen) that you use when you encounter problems?
Recently, we received an inquiry from a user of our website about exactly this issue: "The mouse won't work in the recovery environment." After investigating, we discovered that a specific update was the cause.
This is a very troublesome issue where the computer works fine in normal mode but the recovery environment is not available. We will explain in detail the cause and how to deal with this issue.
Background to this article: A reader's report
Our investigation into this issue began on the evening of October 15, 2025 (17:50) when we received an inquiry from an avid reader of our site reporting that "the mouse doesn't work in the recovery environment."
I immediately started investigating and determined that this was not a problem with my personal environment, but a serious problem caused by Windows Update.The next morning (October 16, 2025, 4:14 AM)There are hidden updates that don't appear in the update history."KB5067039" is the direct cause of the problemWe have identified the issue and responded to the user who reported it.
(Further investigation has since identified the root culprit as a driver file called "USBHUB3.SYS" included in this update.)
This article summarizes the results of our investigation and has been published urgently to help more people solve this problem.
[Updated 10/19/2025] Microsoft has officially acknowledged this issue.
On October 17, 2025, Microsoft officially acknowledged the WinRE issue and announced that they are currently working on a fix, which is expected to be released soon.
▼ Microsoft's official announcement page
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-health/status-windows-11-24h2#3696msgdesc
In the meantime, if you urgently need to operate the recovery environment, please consider the solutions described in this article.
Problem summary: Mouse and keyboard don't work in recovery environment!
- Symptoms:
- On a Windows 11 version 24H2/25H2 PC, when you select "System" > "Recovery" and then select Advanced Startup (to start the recovery environment) or restart while holding down the Shift key, a blue screen (Windows Recovery Environment) will be displayed.
- On this screen, the USB-connected mouse and keyboard become completely unresponsive and cannot be operated.
- The mouse and keyboard work fine in normal mode, safe mode, and the BIOS/UEFI settings screen.
- Affected PC:
- Running Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2device.
If the mouse and keyboard become unresponsive in the recovery environment, press and hold the power button to shut down the system. This will not affect the system as Windows has not yet started.
- Recovery environment is a separate system: The Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) runs on a lightweight, independent OS (based on Windows PE) that is separate from the Windows we normally use.
- Less impact on system filesIn the recovery environment, no important processes such as writing to normal Windows system files are performed unless you select special operations such as system restore or repair.
Therefore, even if you force quit when it freezes in the recovery environment,It is highly unlikely that normal Windows startup or data will be affected..
postscript:Furthermore, according to valuable information from users, the USB mouse and USB HDD will also not be recognized if the system is started using rescue media (such as a USB memory stick) created using various backup software.
This is because many rescue media creation tools use the WinRE currently installed on your PC as a base, so if the WinRE on your PC itself is affected, the problem will be inherited by the rescue media created from it.
This issue is caused by a specific update
After some investigation, we discovered that the cause of this annoying issue was a specific update, KB5067039, quietly released by Microsoft.
- Update Name: KB5067039: Secure OS Dynamic Updates for Windows 11 Versions 24H2 and 25H2 and Windows Server 2025: October 14, 2025
- The tricky part:
- This update does not appear in the Reliability Monitor or Windows Update Update History, making it difficult for users to determine when it was installed.
- This is a type of update that is applied automatically to your system.
[Supplementary Information] How to check if WinRE has been updated using Event Viewer
You can see traces of this "silent update" in the Event Viewer.
- Press Windows Key + R to open Run, type "<your name>" and press Enter to launch the Event Viewer.
- From the tree on the left, select "Windows Logs" > "System".
- Click "Filter Current Log" from the actions menu on the right.
- Find "WinREAgent" in the "Event Source" drop-down menu and check it.
- In the field that says "<All Event IDs>", enter "4501" and click OK.
This will only show logs when WinRE is updated. If you find a log with Event ID 4501, it means your PC's WinRE has been updated automatically.
Relationship between WinRE version and bugs
After detailed investigation, this defectThis only occurs in certain versions of Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).I have confirmed that.
- Affected WinRE versions:
10.0.26100.6891- When this version is installed on a device, the mouse and keyboard will become unresponsive in the recovery environment.
- WinRE versions that do not exhibit the issue:
10.0.26100.6713(previous version)10.0.26100.5059(at the moment Windows 11 25H2 ISO (The version included in- The mouse and keyboard work fine on these versions.
By applying KB5067039, the version of WinRE is 10.0.26100.6891 was updated toAccording to the official page for this update, the USB driver has also been updated.この Inconsistent or missing USB driversHowever, this may be causing the mouse and keyboard to malfunction.
How to check the version of a Windows RE image and a simple tool to check it
The Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) is an important feature that can be considered the "last resort" for repairing your system when a serious problem occurs, such as your PC not starting up.
However, if the mouse and keyboard stop working in the recovery environment, how can users repair their PC? Even though important options for emergencies such as "System Restore" and "Startup Repair" are right in front of them, they are left in a hopeless situation where they cannot select anything.
It's understandable that users would be concerned that a bug affecting such important functionality would be automatically updated without their knowledge.
How to fix this issue
Currently, there are two possible ways to fundamentally resolve this issue:
Solution 1: Revert Windows RE Image (winre.wim) to a Previous Version
This method allows you to restore the WinRE image file to a previous version (10.0.26100.6713 or sending us a message on 10.0.26100.5059) to be manually replaced.
【important point】
This operation directly handles system files, so it is not recommended for those who are not familiar with PC operation. Incorrect operation may cause the system to become unstable or unable to boot. If you choose to perform this operation, please proceed with caution and at your own risk.
The specific steps are as follows:
- Previous version of the Windows RE image (winre.wim) file,Windows 11 25H2 ISO Get it from.
- Open a command prompt with administrator privileges and disable WinRE.
reagentc /disable - Current
winre.wimReplace the file with the previous version you have obtained (usuallyC:\Windows\System32\Recoveryfolder)- Disabling WinRE
C:\Windows\System32\RecoveryIn the folderwinre.wimappears. (隠しファイル)
- Disabling WinRE
- Re-enable WinRE.
reagentc /enable- When you enable WinRE,
C:\Windows\System32\RecoveryIn the folderwinre.wimwill disappear.
- When you enable WinRE,
- Reboot your PC and check if the mouse and keyboard work in the recovery environment.
[Additional Note] Automated batch file to easily replace winre.wim
Solution 2: Wait for Microsoft to release an official patch
Since this issue is caused by a Microsoft update, it's likely that Microsoft will acknowledge the issue and release a fix in the future.
- If you don't have an urgent need to interact with the recovery environment, the safest course of action is to continue using your PC as normal and wait for an official fix to be made available through Windows Update.
- Microsoft typically tends to release fixes quickly for critical bugs like this.
10/17/2025: Microsoft acknowledged the issue and said they are working on releasing a solution to resolve the issue soon.
postscript:Workaround: Use a PS/2 keyboard, mouse, or touchpad
This is also very useful information received from our users.
Because this issue is caused by a USB-related driver, older keyboards and mice connected via PS/2 connectors, as well as laptop touchpads, may not be affected and may work normally.
If you have a PS/2 keyboard and mouse at home, you can use them to temporarily operate the recovery environment.
If you want to enter safe mode
If you need to enter Safe Mode for some reason, you can do so by enabling the "Advanced Boot Options" described on the next page.
[Bring back the old F8 key] Steps to start Safe Mode in Win11/Win10
Summary
The issue of the mouse and keyboard freezing in the Windows Recovery Environment is a known issue caused by a specific Windows Update program.
If you urgently need to operate the recovery environment, you may need to manually downgrade the WinRE image, but the safest option is to wait for an official fix from Microsoft.
If you encounter this problem and are unsure, do not try to operate it yourself, but consult someone knowledgeable about PCs or an expert.
This issue has been reported to Microsoft
We reported this mouse and keyboard issue in the Windows Recovery Environment to Microsoft's Feedback Hub on October 16, 2025. We hope that Microsoft will investigate the issue and release a fix as soon as possible.
[Additional Note] When and how will KB5067039 be applied?
When exactly will this "quiet update" be applied? Our testing revealed that "KB5067039" will be automatically applied when installing a cumulative update (e.g., "KB5066835") from October 14, 2025 onward.
Specifically, we verified the following:
- First, uninstall "KB5066835" in a test environment.
- Next, update the version of the Windows RE image (winre.wim) to a previous version that does not have the problem.
10.0.26100.6713Manually return it to - In this state, install "KB5066835" again.
- As a result, the version of the Windows RE image is:The problem occurs again
10.0.26100.6891It has been updated to.
This shows that "KB5067039" is being forcibly applied in the background during the process of applying monthly updates such as "KB5066835."
According to official information from Microsoft, this update will be automatically synchronized through WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) if configured as follows, and this appears to be how it will be applied at the same time as cumulative updates.
Category: NEW
For Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2
product: Windows 11
Category: NEW
For Windows Server 2025
product: Microsoft Server Operating Systems – 24H2
Uninstalling KB5066835 will not restore the version of your Windows RE image (winre.wim). Microsoft states on its official website that "Once this update has been applied to a Windows image, it cannot be removed."
Solution 1: Revert Windows RE Image (winre.wim) to a Previous Version
【postscript】Automated batch file to easily replace winre.wim
To resolve this recovery environment issue more easily and safely, we created a batch file that semi-automatically extracts "winre.wim" from the Windows 11 ISO file and replaces it with the file on the system.
This tool is
- Automatically back up the current "winre.wim"
- Extract the correct "winre.wim" from the ISO file
- Safely overwrite system protected files
This automates the above steps, which may be a little difficult for those who are not familiar with command operations. I have actually tested it in my environment and confirmed that it works without any problems.
What is a batch file? How to create and run a batch file
Advance preparation
What you will need (please prepare in advance):
⚠️ Notes for environments with BitLocker/Device Encryption enabled
If your PC's C drive is protected by BitLocker or device encryption, the last step in the batch file, "Re-enable WinRE (reagentc /enable)" may result in an error.
The surest way to prevent this is toBefore running the batch file, temporarily disable (decrypt) BitLocker (or device encryption) completely.It is that.
[Important] Points to note when completely decrypting
After running the batch file,When you re-enable BitLocker, a new recovery key will be generated. Be sure to back up the new recovery key in a safe location.please.
- Download the Windows 11 ISO file.20GB or more free spaceSave it in any folder.
- Download and install 7-zip.
- https://7-zip.opensource.jp/(7-zip official page)
- Place the batch file in the same location as the Windows 11 ISO file.
During the process, this batch file temporarily extracts a large file of several GB called a Windows installation image (e.g., "install.wim").
Therefore, on the drive where you placed the batch fileAt least 20GB of free spaceIf there is not enough free space, the process may fail midway.
What's taking up space? How to find the culprit in Windows 11 Storage Settings
Download the batch file
Target file: "WinRE image extraction and application tool.bat"
ハッシュ値(SHA256):89549edc14838c362828a93670f0260b540ad1773a3718d735de0909e5e7926f
WinRE image extraction and application tool.zip
Once you download the batch fileUnzipThen place the "WinRE Image Extraction and Application Tool.bat" file in the same location as the Windows 11 ISO file.
English version:
Target file: "WinRE_Repair.bat"
ハッシュ値(SHA256):acd9d6c7b3e9a7661e97fe472caec2f0f3c008a540f01317531143c77afa2c6b
Please change the following part of the batch file to suit your environment.
:: =============================================================================
:: 2. 設定値 (ここをあなたの環境に合わせて変更してください)
:: =============================================================================
SET "ISO_FILENAME=Win11_25H2_Japanese_x64.iso"
SET "SEVENZIP_PATH="
Win11_25H2_Japanese_x64.iso is the name of the ISO file.
You don't usually need to modify the SET "SEVENZIP_PATH=" part. Modify it only if you have saved "7z.exe" in an unusual location.
Contents of the batch file and how to use it
1. Double-click the batch file to start it.
2.The "User Account Control" message will appear, so click "Yes".
3. A command prompt will appear and the settings will be displayed.
- ISO files:
ISO ファイル名 - Working folder:
バッチファイルが置かれているパス - 7-Zip execution path:
C:\Program Files\7-Zip\7z.exe
Pressing Enter here will perform the following actions:
4.step 1: Mount the ISO and display the Windows edition information as shown below.
インデックス: 1
名前: Windows 11 Home
説明: Windows 11 Home
サイズ: 22,689,601,389 バイト
インデックス: 2
名前: Windows 11 Education
説明: Windows 11 Education
サイズ: 23,636,557,841 バイト
インデックス: 3
名前: Windows 11 Pro
説明: Windows 11 Pro
サイズ: 23,659,047,210 バイト
5.step 2:抽出したいWindowsエディションのインデックス番号を入力してください:This will prompt you to enter the index number of the edition you are using and press Enter.
If you don't know which edition you have:
1. Right-click on the Start button and click "Terminal".
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_OperatingSystem).Caption
This will show you the current edition.
6.Step 3 ~ Step 4:This will automatically begin extracting the Windows image from the ISO file using 7-zip.
*"install.wim (or install.esd)" and "Winre.wim" will be extracted.
7.step 5:When the extraction is complete,抽出したwinre.wimを現在のシステムに適用しますか? (自己責任で実行してください) [Y,N]?So I was asked,To replace, enter "y","n" if you don't want to replace itPlease enter
8. If you do not want to replacestep 6:Delete the unnecessary temporary file "install.wim (or install.esd)".
To replace it, do the following:
- Disable WinRE.
- Create a "Backup" folder and back up the current version of "Winre.wim".
- Overwrite the current "Winre.wim" with the extracted "winre.wim".
- Re-enable WinRE.
- step 6:Delete the unnecessary temporary file "install.wim (or install.esd)".
▼This video is a demonstration video showing how the batch file actually works.
[Updated 10/20/2025] The root cause has been discovered! The culprit was "USBHUB3.SYS"
I have been investigating this issue for a while now, and I have finally found the cause of the mouse and keyboard not working in this recovery environment.Root causeWe have identified the following.
The cause was the "USBHUB3.SYSIt was a single driver file called ".
When KB5067039 is applied, this "USBHUB3.SYS" is replaced with a new version (10.0.26100.6891) that contains a bug, which is the direct cause of disabling the mouse and keyboard.
Verification: Reverting USBHUB3.SYS to an older version works fine
To prove this hypothesis, we manually replaced only "USBHUB3.SYS" in the WinRE image with the older version (10.0.26100.1) that was working properly, using the following steps:
- Disable WinRE:
reagentc /disableto disable the current recovery environment. - Mounting the WinRE image: Use the DISM command:
C:\Windows\System32\RecoveryMount (extract) "Winre.wim" in the location to a temporary folder. - Replacing "USBHUB3.SYS": In the mounted folder
Windows\System32\driversThe problematic "USBHUB3.SYS (version 10.0.26100.6891)"Overwrite with the correct old version (10.0.26100.1) file international success. - Unmount the WinRE image: Save (commit) the changes and unmount "Winre.wim".
- Enabling WinRE:
reagentc /enableto re-enable the repaired recovery environment.
As a result, when I started the recovery environment,I have confirmed that the mouse and keyboard work fine.
This verification reveals that"USBHUB3.SYS" is the direct cause of the problemIt has been confirmed.
The automated batch file provided on this website will replace the entire "Winre.wim" with a correct one, which is a fundamental solution to this issue. It is likely that the official fix from Microsoft will also involve modifying "USBHUB3.SYS."
What is USBHUB3.SYS?
The root cause of this issue is "USBHUB3.SYS." Microsoft's official documentation describes its role as follows:
USB hub driver (Usbhub3.sys)
The new hub driver, in the USB driver stack for 3.0 devices, uses the KMDF driver model. The hub driver primarily performs these tasks:
- Manages USB hubs and their ports.
- Enumerates devices and other hubs attached to their downstream ports.
- Creates physical device objects (PDOs) for the enumerated devices and hubs.
Windows loads the hub driver as the FDO in the hub device stack. Device enumeration and hub management in the new driver are implemented through a set of state machines. The hub driver relies on KMDF for power management and PnP functions. In addition to hub management, the hub driver also performs preliminary checks and processing of certain requests sent by the USB client driver layer. For instance, the hub driver parses a select-configuration request to determine which endpoints will be configured by the request. After parsing the information, the driver hub submits the request to the USB host controller extension or further processing.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/usbcon/usb-3-0-driver-stack-architecture
To put it simply, "USBHUB3.SYS" plays an extremely important role, like a "manager" or "traffic controller" for all USB 3.0 ports.
Main task of USBHUB3.SYS
According to Microsoft, the main duties of this "Manager" are as follows:
| Job Description (Microsoft explanation) | An easy-to-understand example (the manager's job) |
| Manage USB hubs and their ports | Manages the building floors (hubs) and the doors (ports) for each room. |
| Enumerate devices connected to a port | When a new guest (USB device) arrives, the identity is confirmed and the guest name is registered (listed) in the guest list. The system is notified that "Mr. Keyboard, you have arrived." |
| Create a PDO for the enumerated device | A room key (ID called PDO) is issued to each registered guest (USB device), allowing the system to recognize the guest as an individual and to communicate with them. |
| Processes and forwards requests from client drivers | Receives requests from customers (such as mouse drivers) such as "I want hot water," checks the details, and gives precise instructions to the person in charge in the boiler room (controller driver). |
What if there is a problem with this "manager"?
The problem this time was caused by a serious bug in the "Manager (USBHUB3.SYS)" itself.
- Unable to register guests (enumeration failure): The manager is dysfunctional, so when a new guest (mouse or keyboard) arrives, he is unaware of their presence and is unable to register (enumerate) them on the guest register.
- Unable to issue a room key (Failed to create PDO): Since you cannot be registered in the list, naturally the room key (PDO) will not be issued.
As a result, to the system (Windows), the mouse and keyboard were considered "guests who don't exist in this building." So no matter what I plugged into the USB port, the cursor wouldn't move and no keystrokes were accepted.
As you can see, "USBHUB3.SYS" is not just one of the components, but is the software that enables the system to recognize USB devices.The first hurdleThis is the most important role. If this manager were to malfunction, it would naturally result in the halt of all USB communication beyond that point.
Reporting this to Microsoft and what you can do to expedite the fix
We have officially reported this Windows Recovery Environment issue to Microsoft's Feedback Hub, along with detailed verification results.
Initially, I tried to post a shared link to ask for upvotes, but in my environment, the link was generated exclusively for Windows Insider Program participants, and I found that many people were unable to access it.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
The report itself has been received by the relevant Microsoft team, so please wait for an official fix in the future.
2025/10/21[Important Note] Repairing from installation media and the "traps" that lurk there
Many readers have said,media creation toolWe have received reports that "if you boot from the USB memory created in the above, you can use the recovery environment without any problems."This is completely correct and is a valid workaround.
Why can it be used by booting from USB media?
The reason is that there are two types of "recovery environments" that your PC can boot into.
- PC recovery environment: It is located on the PC's HDD/SSD and uses "winre.wim". This is installed by Windows Update.It's contaminated with a broken version.
- Installation media recovery environment: It is stored on the USB memory and uses a different image called "boot.wim".
When you boot your PC from USB (USB boot), the corrupted recovery environment (winre.wim) on the PC itself is not used at all, and instead an independent small repair OS (boot.wim) on the USB memory stick is started. This is why the mouse and keyboard work normally.
[Warning] Media Creation ToolIn the USB created byDo not use the winre.wim included in
But there's a very important catch here.
The author actuallymedia creation toolWhen we checked the ISO file downloaded, we found that the version of "winre.wim" contained in it was 10.0.26100.6891, which is a problematic version.
In other words, this USB media is "bootable and usable"There is no problem for a moment, but if you try toIf you try to copy it and use it to repair your PC, you will end up installing the same bug on your PC.
*The "winre.wim" included in the ISO file downloaded directly from the official page is fine.
How to download Windows 11 ISO files
10/29/2025: The Windows 11 Media Creation Tool was updated to the new version 10.0.26100.7019 on 10/28/2025, but we have confirmed that the version of "winre.wim" included in the ISO file remains the problematic 10.0.26100.6891.
Summary
| way to execute | Images used | Result |
| USBブート"Repair your computer" | "boot.wim" | OK 👍 |
| Copy "winre.wim" from the ISO to your PC | "winre.wim" | NG 👎 (Bug) |
Therefore, until the official patch is released by Microsoft, to fundamentally repair the recovery environment of the PC itself, please use the method explained in this article.Automation Batch FileThe most reliable method at present is to use the "winre.wim" command to apply a version of "winre.wim" that is confirmed to work properly.







