Cubase14 hanging on scanning VST three plug-ins

Recently, after working on a couple of projects, then closing and reopening Cubase 14.0.20 it will hang on scanning VST three plug-ins. I can end the process in the task manager, but I noticed there’s two other Cubase14.exe processes running as background processes that can’t be stopped. The only option is to reboot, which is a pain in the ass to say the least.
Windows 11 24H2
Also, after reboot and starting Cubase14, these 2 extra Cubase14 processes don’t show up.

For those interested, I think part of the problem is not waiting long enough before opening a new project and also, not starting Cubase too soon after closing.

I recently came across the post below. Really cool utility to identify loading times.