Windows 10: Fresh Install PC, Why are my downloaded files taking forever to open?

I fresh wiped my PC and ever since I did, anything I download it takes FOREVER to open the file and when it does open the file I get a pop up from SmartScreen saying that it cant be reached right now. I've tried turning off SmartScreen and downloading it then but it does the same thing. I've flushed my DNS servers, I've tried restarting my pc, rebooting my pc. It's not a WIFI issue and I've tried resetting the router. My download speed is 523 MBPS. I inserted a image of the message that pops up for any download. I'm running on Windows 11.How can I get this to stop popping up SmartScreen? And

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Downloads Folder takes forever to open - tried everything!

Hallo,My downloads folder takes forever to open, sometimes minutes before it has loaded every item.It is a common problem, and I've googled for answers but none of them seem to help. I've tried to right click on properties, and under customize set to general items, didn't work. I clicked on File Explorer and changed "show or hide" File extensions, but didn't work.Any suggestions?! Thanks!!

 

File Explorer - takes forever to open

One thing comes to mind... If you have some network link in Quick access (pinned, or in recent folders section), Latest update broke some network connections. In that case Explorer would tkae some time to open..

- check that all of your network connections are online and accessible,
- or clear them from list.

You can check recent list from right click on Explorer icon in taskbar too.

 

opening .dds files with gimp

Simply, HOW? I got the DDS plugin but the POS wont open DDS files still. Can someone give me a step-by-step rundown of how to install the DDS plugin for gimp so I know if I'm missing something?