Q: iTunes will not sync with iPhone

I am on Windows 10 with updated iTunes 12.4.1.6. I have an iPhone 6s Plus. Today I plugged my iPhone into my laptop and it was automatically syncing but on the previous version of iTunes. I chose the option to update iTunes, restarted my laptop and now it does not sync or recognize my device

I have already hard rebooted my iPhone and re-installed and rebooted iTunes/laptop

reset the Lockdown folder

reset all warnings dialogs and caches

reset and updated USB drivers and Apple USB driver

De-authorized/Authorized computer

Done steps to trigger the disconnect/re-connect a "trusted device"

Switched between 2 lightning cables and 3 different USBs

I cannot "sync via wifi" as iTunes does not even recognize my device

... basically every step I could think of.

In reference to one of the steps above, I have attempted to trigger the "Trust this computer" prompt however that never comes up anymore. When I plug in my iPhone my computer does recognize it as it is in the Device Manager working fine and I am able to navigate my iPhone folders. I am at a loss and I believe to have exhausted all efforts. Any further assistance would greatly help, thank you.