Do a direct Windows update and it will download and install the updates rather quickly. Windows automatic update system tends to drag performance as it downloads in the background. Remember that MS does their Windows on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, so expect this every month. If you override the auto update yourself, it will inconvenience you less.
The issue with e-mail, might just be all of the servers getting bogged down auto updating at the same time. If MS staged the updates by random IP address, it might limit the overload effect.
Thanks a lot for your suggestions. It’s great advice. WILCO