Saving issue "Converting text objects with variable fonts and color" in Illustrator - Windows 11

Hello.

I read a few posts about this issue but do not see a fix.

I'm currently working in Illustrator (26.5.2) with embedded images only (no text).  Version 27.1.1 has an issue with the GPU so I will not use it.

When I go to save, the progress bar shows "Converting text objects with variable fonts and color".

This takes too long and slows down my workflow.

Any ideas why this is?