I don't think I ever have more then 2 or 3 pics open at a time, and closing file explorer I don't think really makes a difference. once it starts to slow down it pretty much stays that way for the rest of the time it is on. my computer had only been on for about an hour when I sent that screenshot so when I opened those 2 pictures and then snapped screenshot it did it fairly quickly.

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thanks for everything so far. I am heading to bed for the night …. Happy New Year