I've read for years to NEVER defrag SSD's.

As for the problems, I would start with your system, run Disc Cleanup, clear temp files, the recycle bin, all that kind of thing. Then run an A/V scan plus Malwarebytes. You can also check your system performance by running Geekbench and give us the score. Your CPU is a 6 year old dual core, kind of lower end but it should be good enough if the system is clean. If you haven't reinstalled or done a Windows repair in all that time you may need to do that. Windows is notorious for clogging up over that many years and many times you can't do anything about it other than do a fresh install. Many people do that routinely every year or two until they retire the machine.

Secondly, you list the Windows audio driver but you also list an M Audio Fast Track interface. Are you using the M Audio, does it have a native ASIO driver and are you using it? If so, what buffer settings?

Bob

Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.