Hi all. I've got this problem too. I can't find anything from the last few months in my google searches so I thought I'd create a post.

I've tried adding all DF executables to power saving (APU) in Graphics Settings
I don't have automatically pick color based on background enabled, I did try disabling aero transparency (no bueno)
I've tried disabling hooks on File Explorer
I've tried disabling transitions between wallpapers
I tried it all on 9.8, then updated to 10 beta 3 and still the same results

Open to suggestions. It doesn't affect my gaming, so that's nice, but man I am going nuts when I'm just in windows. I cycle through like 300 landscape photos and so transition is set to every few minutes. I've done this (used DF to control photos) since.... 2011 ish? I can't remember. A very, very long time.

Thanks!

It's not very long, like a second or two

Nevermind, I see you tried that already.

I found this thread where turning off Auto pick an accent color fixed this for me just now. Hope it helps!

Yes, DF jumps up to the top. It only uses 2.3%, but I have an i7-11800H and am not doing anything but looking at this page and using a few non-resource using apps.

Sorry for the slow responses, I have been exceptionally busy lately and have not been using this computer.