For most of 2018, I was using a UFX+ with a Thunderbolt connection through the StarTech TB1/2 to TB3 adapter to a Lenovo P71 laptop (loaded up with Xeon, dual SSDs, tons of RAM, TB3, 4K screen and discrete graphics, etc...).  This worked flawlessly with no issues at all for at least 100 recordings (mostly on location classical).  Never a single problem or issue.  I did not update the RME drivers when the new drivers with the Remote TotalMix FX were announced - everything was working and no need for remote. 

However, in late 2018 (around October or November), suddenly the Thunderbolt connection started producing much static and then just locking up the P71 computer completely.  Total lock (no mouse, frozen meters on screen and TotalMix, etc.).  Total reboot required.  However, everything continued to work fine if USB connection and USB driver were used.   

I suspect this was tied to the October auto-pushed update of Windows 10.   I've tried many things - here's a partial list:

1 - Tried with a 2nd UFX+ also here - same result, no fix.  Same problems with either UFX+
2 - Tried with a 2nd StarTech TB adapter - same result, no fix.
3 - Tried with multiple TB cables (all nice OWC cables) - same result, no fix.
4 - Updated all RME drivers and Firmware (both UFX+ units) to latest - same result, no fix.
5 - Updated P71 computer BIOS, and TB firmware to latest versions - same result, no fix
6 - Tried with multiple DAW software - same result with either Reaper or Samplitude.

Finally gave up and was just using USB for recordings.  Never any issue with USB.

In late December, we added new Lenovo P72 laptop (also fully loaded, SSD, XEON 6 core, TB3, etc...)

Loaded latest USB and Thunderbolt drivers.  Both UFX+ units already have latest firmware.

Tried recording with Thunderbolt to new P72 computer this weekend  (using USB on P71 as backup with other UFX+).  Experienced similar Thunderbolt problems, but not total machine lockup.

In particular, with new P72 computer.  I can open TotalMix FX and control the UFX+ just fine with TB connections (again, through StarTech adapter).   I can plug headphones into UFX+ and monitor incoming microphones.  All is fine and clear.   In this case UFX+ is/was clocking on it's internal clock.  (Other UFX+ was clocking on incoming MADI, but lock-ups happened regardless of clock source, internal or MADI).    So in this new situation, I can monitor audio just fine, UNTIL I start up Reaper.   As soon as Reaper accesses the TB Asio driver, I get pops, tics, and some static in the headphones.  Just by starting Reaper with TB as the audio device!   The same thing happens with Samplitude if TB is set as the audio device.  In the case of Samplitude, even opening a new project with NO tracks still starts the ticking and popping in the headphones plugged direction into the UFX+ and monitoring the INPUTS only (NOT the returns from the DAW).   Close either DAW, and the ticking and popping stops.   

With the P72, the USB driver also works flawlessly.   The problem is only with the TB driver.

So, I'm looking for help and direction.   I've searched the forum here, but not found any similar issues. 

Doesn't seem likely to be hardware, since the problems are with multiple computers and multiple UFX+'s with multiple TB adapters.  AND - don't forget the TB ran flawlessly with the P71 for at least 9 months in the end of 2017 and the first part of 2018.   NO HARDWARE CHANGES were made.  No drivers were updated (Win10 set to NOT update drivers).  The only change was the forced update of Win10.

The timing of the problem would indicate that perhaps the Win10 update in the fall of 2018 is the culprit.  Any other reports of this?   Anything to try?   

Thanks in advance!