using a basic image with only what your box requires for your situation/setup is going the make your box run at its best, pre-made backup images although bulky imo help people get started & have been tested to the extreme so I don’t see the image being at fault. Checking everything at your end would be the place to start: all connections, internet speed & latency, software updates & configs.... so many variables, then there are the little errors many make such as using homeplugs on an extension lead...may work fine for some but it’s not recommended, home plugs should be connected directly to the wall socket...
try restarting router & check your network is good, contact provider to check your connecting ok, blue spinner is an indication your box is waiting for a reply or waiting for resources to become free to perform the next task, a base image shouldnt bring up the blue spinner for long so I suspect provider connection/internet issues.