Why is SAFARI So Slow???

[Jodeo]

Just upgraded to Mac OS 11.1 and Safari 14.0.2 (from Mojave). Not a clean wipe but (employer-driven) update.

1. No extensions installed (had some in the past but all uninstalled).
2. No special security/antivirus software in Safari.
3. No other apparent clues.
4. Firefox, Brave, & Chrome are plenty fast.

I can't understand why Safari is crawling. Pages load slowly, often pausing several seconds first when I click a bookmark or a link. Often, images load late.

Is it possible (and wise) to delete Safari and re-install it? Or should I poke around Application Support folders for possible culprits.

Again, network and other browser work fine but need to use Safari in many cases.


Thanks.