MS Application Data Files and References are slow

When I try to reference a file, either open or save, the file system responds
very very slowly. In fact, it seems to not take any action to start the
process of accessing a file or folder unless I click in whitespace AFTER
clicking on the folder. Even clicking on the dropdown to move up or down the
directory tree is slow. This seems to be only true for MS applications.

The complete file system had been slow until "Automatically search for
network folders and printers" was unchecked in folder options. Once this was
checked the file system respondes as expected, rapidly, except for MS
applications.

I have not been able find a similar option for MS applications.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. It can take 30 seconds to move from
one folder to another.

Once I'm in the desired folder, file open and save is normal as expected.
However, getting there....