I spoke too soon. Even with the updated "Everything" the bad behavior returns.

This backup machine (my #2) is a refurbished win pro 10, i5, 4g ram, mechanical hd.

My #1 unit is win pro 10, i5, but 16g ram, and a ssd.

I imaged the OS partition of #1 and installed it on #2.

So the only difference between the two software-wise is the drivers unique to each one installed by windows update.

The #1 machine has no problems.

As long as I leave gaming turned off on #2, its ok.