I've found a method of stopping the annoying noise and delay in starting, per https://www.askvg.com/tip-disable-or-remove-opera-splash-screen-or-startup-logo/. Their methods didn't work globally, so I actually went into C:program files/opera/(release)/ and renamed the opera_gx_splash.exe file.

Hello @oogla,
I just upgraded from version: 108.0.5067.29 to version 109.0.5097.68 and have not noticed the issue returning. But since the problem originally began I have added the extension "Forget Button" and set it to clear a lot whenever Opera is closed.

I've found a method of stopping the annoying noise and delay in starting, per https://www.askvg.com/tip-disable-or-remove-opera-splash-screen-or-startup-logo/. Their methods didn't work globally, so I actually went into C:program files/opera/(release)/ and renamed the opera_gx_splash.exe file.

Have a possible solution. It had been a long time since I had cleared my browser history. Once I did that I am unable to recreate the problem.

Update on the behavior that I am seeing.

I saw this problem running Opera 101 on Windows 10 21H2 build 19044.3086. I upgraded to Opera 102.0.4871.0. All my bookmarks and personalization disappeared so regressed to Opera 101.0.4843.42 and the problem came back, along with my bookmarks.

But I did notice that if I wait 30 seconds with the google search screen stuck at 2 characters the problem goes away. So I would think that this is a timing issue somewhere.

Has a solution been found?