Performance Problems with 12.5 Update

My MacBook is not slower with 12.5

Have you tried to restart the Mac to see if the problem persists?

Try to boot the Mac in the safe mode to see if the problem persists Start up your Mac in safe mode – Apple Support (UK)

Q - No Time Machine backup - Time Machine backup not found.

A - Under this present setup, any and All Personal Data is dispensable can can be recreated at a later Date

Q - Unsigned files - There are unsigned software files installed. These files could be old, incompatible, and cause problems. They

should be reviewed.

A - The User needs to evaluate Third Party installed and update , upgrade or replace with Monterey Compatible software. This too may contribute the the Main Computer Issue

Q - 2022-07-31 Kaspersky Virus Scanner Pro (15.0.4)

A - Here I totally agree with contributor @jefferythefrog

There are no known Windows-like Viruses in the wild that self replicate and affect macOS, because of the underling UNIX  Foundation and Permission Limitation. 

Additionally, and specific to Big Sur macOS 11 and Monterey macOS 12, the Operating System resides in a Sealed and Read Only Volume that can not be opened by the User and protects against from “ Bad Actor “ Software.

The Only thing this Antivirus software is protecting is the Bank Account of the Developers and for zero return to the User aside from the problems this software create including and possible the source of this computer issue

AntiVirus Developers purposefully Market their product to create a “ Fear Factor “. In so doing, creating a False Need to for their Product.

The The Built in Security  is all that is required to protect the computer.

Q - 2022-07-31 OpenVPN Connect (3.3.6-4368)

A - Here I totally agree with contributor @jefferythefrog

Commercial VPNs   should only be used if Mandated by Corporate Head Office for working remotely. Otherwise - ones Privacy and Security touted by the VPN is suspect

Understand, we are all working Remotely from all around the world. 

Therefore, we do not have the On-Hands experience the User ( you ) has with this computer.

The next best thing for us to having a semi - actual On-Hand experience  with this computer is to follow the steps below

Download the Application Etrecheck directly from the Developer. 

The application is free or paid from added features. 

It will take a Snap Shot -  both the hardware and software.

 The Report will Not Reveal Any Personal Information. 

Post back the Full Report - copy and paste - using the Additional Text Icon ( 3rd Icon to last )

We can have a look at the report for possible issues and may have possible suggestions to resolve the issues.

the main issue as I see it would be Kaspersky Virus Scanner Pro (15.0.4). antivirus apps are not needed and are known to cause issues while providing zero protection or benefits. you should uninstall it using the developer's instructions..

and I also noticed OpenVPN Connect (3.3.6-4368). unless it's required by an employer or some institution, many people here will recommend that it also be uninstalled.

John Vargo wrote:

Is 12.5 just much slower than previous versions?

I used to have 4 installs of Monterey and none were slower than previous versions of macOS.

Is this planned obsolescence?

No.