Why is my brand new laptop so slow with everything

[manningto]

I am using less than 5%, though there are occasional spikes (not sure why).  I have all Windows updates and am using McAfee.  

[WAWood]

@manningto 

I once used ESET and McAfee -- and quit using them because they both had the same tedious problem -- they contacted their AV server, did a scan of my PC, downloaded any definition updates and installed them -- all before allowing me access to my desktop.

I got fed up waiting for several minutes every day I booted my PC for this to happen.

So, you should see if you can disable McAfee temporarly to see if that helps.

IF that is not the issue, then it's likely to be Windows Update.

To find out what version and build of Win10 your PC is running, do the following:
1) enter "cmd" (without the quotes) into the search area and select the Command Prompt option
2) enter "winver" into the command window (again, without the quotes)
3) the most current Win10 is v1809 Build 17763.316

If yours is older than that, most likely WU is hogging your PC trying to update it.