System is constantly checking something, what/why?

I know there are various executables that need constant checking of network/internet. And I don't mind, as long as it doesn't have a noticeable impact on the system's performance. But this one does
I just got this pc about a month ago, it's an Acer Nitro 50n-600 (i7 8700, 16 Gb Ram, Nvidia GTX 1060 6Gb, *Win10 Pro). Sure it's not one of the best, but it's not too shabby either, and it's got what I need.
But now thanks to this issue, every program I use has to do a pause on whatever the program is doing just so that annoying process gets done, which takes about 3 to 4 seconds. I know it doesn't sound long, but you can notice it for sure. Especially when I'm playing Left 4 Dead 2, boy! Is it ever annoying!!! When the pause is over, I am a few meters away from where I was before. Or dead.
What could this be?
Are there any log files I should check?

Thanks guys!

* I upgraded the OS

Have you set game mode in your antivirus/ malware utilities? Defender, norton and malwarebytes all have one.

It turns out it was one of the many Acer utilities that came with the pc. I am just so happy that I don't have to put up with that anymore.
Thanks for your insights guys!

DPC

Acer bloatware is a pain. I deleted all my Gateway bloatware right away saved 2 gigs on my system.

dalchina said:

Glad you found it. Best to eliiminate unnecessary startups etc.

That's just where I started!
I am using Dropbox, the one installed on File Explorer. So I thought it was that. But after I stopped it, the problem persisted.

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thomaseg1 said:

Acer bloatware is a pain. I deleted all my Gateway bloatware right away saved 2 gigs on my system.

WOW! You must have beat me with that (2 Gbs saving)! Unbelievable!

well Just unhide hidden folders in explorer and look for an OEM folder it is usually packed
with stuff like Amazon, Powerdvd (very old version) and nero Big Bloat.