Why would remote desktop connection be taking up 60-95% of host's CPU?

"I would stop the connection and restart, click advanced and make sure you are not accidently sharing any ""funky"" hardware. I remember a friend having this problem when he was trying to do something with a USB missile launcher - don't ask.

Other than that, You may want to go to the Experience tab and turn it down a little, it is possible that something is going on in the background of the laptop that is being brought forward to your desktop without knowing it."