Help :( My surface pro 4 has horizontal lines across the screen!

Anonymous
2017-01-14T10:53:30+00:00

Hello. I'm having a problem with my Surface pro 4 lately.

my surface display screen has a horizontal line across the top of the screen when I use my Surface for a while (around 10-20 minutes without light usage like web browsing but 1-5 minutes for heavy usage like rendering or gaming) also the lines will keep appears more and more the longer I use it.

as you can see at the first and second picture, you can see multiple line across the top of my screen already. and when the screen has around 6-7 lines then the screen came to this.

![](https://learn-attachment.microsoft.com/api/attachments/35c1c9e4-e66b-40e9-bc4a-c3bf72fdfc3b?platform=QnA)The whole screen has lines all over it and is has some desync display like this all the time. :(

seems like the more heat it has the more of this symptom appears. the only way I can fix it that I know right now is 1) turn of the device for a while then turn it on again 2) put it in a cool place like a fridge for a minute to cool down.

does anyone has this kind of problem like I have right now? also does anyone knows what causes it? and how to fix it?

Ive been into this problem for many months now and this surface pro 4 is my 4th (refurbish) replacement already. I wasted 7-20 days on waiting for each replacement and it ruined lots of my work schedule and my income which is terrible! Id love to sell it away just to buy other brand instead of struggling with this :(

and sorry for my English which isn't so good but I hope anyone will be able to give me an opinion or answer soon

thank you.

Surface | Surface Pro | Display and screen

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Anonymous
2017-09-11T01:02:12+00:00

Solution: External cooling.

I was having the same issue, but today found the source. It seems the issue is either the internal cooling system is underperforming or the on-board graphics controller has gained increased sensitivity to heat.

For the first year of using my SP4, I had no such issue. I constantly monitor internal temperature and have never run hotter than mid-60s. Recently however after using my device for an extended period unplugged or a shorter amount of time while plugged in, the lines and screen desync occur.

I tested the heat damage idea by using my SP4 while plugged in for half of the day today. I watched videos, used the pen, and had multiple programs running with no screen issues. The key here is that I set up a desk fan to blow cold air onto the SP4.

So to prevent the lines and display desync, you need some kind of fan or external cooling for your SP4. I'd say start with a small/cheap USB fan, and if that isn't powerful enough move to something bigger. Be sure the fan is aimed at the top left corner of the back because that's where most of the heat localizes.

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-10-05T09:29:38+00:00

    PLEASE DONT BUY THIS **** DEVICE... 

    I had multiple long chats with MS Support team and they declared that this is hardware issue ( without even seeing the product once ) and I need to get it replaced with a refurbished device in their walkin center. Fun is I have to pay for the device again.. 

    You buy one of the most expensive device available in the market to go through all these ****... Looks like you buy a Mercedes and the wiper stops working.. only option for you is to get the car changed - with 1/3rd of price paid ( you could buy a new car of Toyota with that money ) 

    This is sheer Arrogance from MS. I am taking this to every possible prospective buyer in my network. Please do the same with your friends.. Probably only way to get the message across to MS

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-01-15T01:46:05+00:00

    I have the exact same issue. Did you find the cause/a fix? With all these surface pro problems, I feel like never buying Microsoft designed hardware again.

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-10-16T00:32:47+00:00

    You got off easy. I have the same issue with the addition that the screen takes like a screenshot and pastes a translucent version of it on the screen, which does not go away until I shut down overnight. After numerous chats with support where they took remote control AND did a full Windows re-install, they advised me to send the device for "replacement" as this "had to be hardware issue".

    Now, as I am in currently in Costa Rica for a few months I spent around $500 to send the receive the device from US. Guess what, they sent back the EXACT same device claiming the support team did not find any issue when they ran their "tests" and all the things are fine. Used it 1 day, and BAM here comes the lines.

    By the way, I have he absolute top model of SP4, and the device is just 1 year old. Last time I ever purchase MS product. They just ripped me off!!

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-10-05T10:19:14+00:00

    its just not done yet.. I think I will take it to whatever extent I could. If I send you guys a e-Petition, would you mind signing it up for us? Let us take it to Consumer court as well. I think someone just need to fight it out.

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