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. It does not disable upscaling, change the display's physical brightness capability or guarantee a particular battery-life improvement.

Compare system load with your usual apps, brightness and display arrangement. A report of high energy use alone does not establish that readiness caused it. Streaming, rendering and other active work can have separate costs. This setting concerns software upscaling, so it is not a general power-saving switch for every BetterDisplay feature.

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