Trouble in paradise- 3 weeks of freezes and crashes. Windows update? Sonar update?

I have had chronic instability for 3 weeks in my studio.
It seems to have followed a windows update, but I'm not sure.
 
Some facts:
Generally, large, nearly finished projects with lots of waves plugins and Sonar-included plugins (including ProChannel)
I have issues whether I'm using my Audient iD14 or my Focusrite 18i20- both usb interfaces.
I have the fewest issues if I go MME and use my onboard card (for mixing).
 
For a couple months, my computer does not consistently recognize my focusrite interface.  turning it off and on doesn't help.   unplugging and re-plugging the usb cable sometimes helps.   Sometimes I have to restart to get it recognized.
The Audient interface doesn't have issues being recognized, but it is just as likely to crash as the Focusrite.  
I've had some projects that wont open at all unless I'm using my onboard sound card- leading me to believe that there is some type of usb issue.
 
Any ideas?

Definitely could be the culprit.
Thanks!