Winstep Xtreme v26.7 (Beta 3) update went without problems.

Thanks.

Check WorkShelf's CPU usage on your system when idle... Is it a bit lower now or the same as it was before?

Min 2,3% Max 8,1%

Ok, so basically no change on your laptop's quad-core processor with no hyper-threading.

Ah well. Thanks

I'm monitoring the readings in the Task Manager.

I rarely go into the Processes tab in Task Manager but when I did just now I noticed that WorkShelf (and NextSTART) are classified by Windows 11 as "Background Processes".

This means that on CPUs with hybrid P-Cores + E-Cores (Performance vs. Efficient cores) such as the 12900K, Windows 11 might push WorkShelf and NextSTART onto a E-Core instead of a P-Core. Being classified as a “Background process” can affect the CPU usage a process gets/consumes.

So if WorkShelf is pushed to an E‑core, it will:

show higher CPU usage for the same amount of work
show slower responsiveness
show more jitter in animations and timers
show more frequent spikes
show reduced work output due to running on slower E‑cores

through no fault of its own.

I’m more and more convinced that the random prolonged high CPU usage on Windows 11 when idle was due to this together with the continuous Core Audio polling for the volume icon in the dock's tray. Both things only happen on Windows 11 systems which also explains why this was never an issue for Windows 10 users.