Can I reduce system load when I rarely use software XDR upscaling?

Yes. On an XDR display using automatic brightness, turning off Continuous software XDR upscaling readiness can reduce system load. The tradeoff is a less smooth transition when you raise brightness into the software upscaling range.

Open Settings > Displays > Overview > Software XDR/HDR Upscaling and Dimming > Brightness Upscaling and Dimming Settings…, then turn off Continuous software XDR upscaling readiness. The option requires Pro and global color-table control. The change takes effect immediately.

Readiness keeps the display prepared for software brightness upscaling even before that extra range is needed. Disabling it lets BetterDisplay activate that preparation when needed instead. Upscaling remains available, and the display’s physical brightness range stays the same. Any battery-life improvement depends on your setup.

Compare system load with your usual apps, brightness and display arrangement. Check whether disabling readiness makes a measurable difference. Streaming, rendering and other active work can have separate costs. This setting affects software upscaling readiness. Other BetterDisplay features keep their own resource requirements.

See brightness upscaling settings for the related options and automatic brightness management for how upscaling can temporarily change automatic brightness.