I don't use registry cleaning software (those are problematic). The only programs I use are MalwareBytes and Avast (but Avast is not presently installed, and hasn't been during this issue). Programs typically running in the taskbar are:
- Discord
- Google Hangouts
- Slack
- NVIDIA
- MalwareBytes
- Sades Gaming Headset
- VMWare
- Brother Printer stuff
- Intel Rapid Storage
- UltraMon
- Logitech WebCam
The only thing I do periodically is a disk clean using Windows Disk Cleanup, but I would be surprised if that is causing this issue.
Last week I installed more updates in Windows Update (most succeeded, except for the two listed on the title of this thread). That could have done something to the registry that affected this? Maybe? No clue.
Also play Call of Duty Warzone, which is always updating, but can't imagine that is doing anything for this (unless the anti-cheat software is doing something hokey).