Importing speeds - first thumbnails

I've been using lightroom for a long time (since Apple Aperature was discontinued). 

I enjoyed being on the odler CS5.5 for quite some time, and recently updated to a Mac Mini M1, Big Sur and the new lightroom classic. 

OMG! This brutally slow! I've read everythign I can find about the abismal speed at seeing thumbnails when importing, but can't find a solution.  What gives?

I'm importing photos right from my desktop, (not a card).  Waiting to see thumbnails can take an HOUR to see 100-200 photos.  I've tried various preview setting, but nothing seems to change this fact. 

Once I actually tell it to import, it's not that bad, but waiting to see preview.... really!!??? This is a bit rediculous. 

Any advice out there?