Surface Pro brightness bug

Anonymous
2013-02-19T02:05:17+00:00

The surface pro randomly brightens and dims even when auto brightness and dimming is completely shut off.  I contactedMicrosoft chat support and they said they are aware of the issue but its taking longer than expected.  I just wanted to post here to create more visibility and awareness of this annoying bug.  I hope it gets fixed soon.   Its most noticeable when an app launches or while beginning to watch a video.  From what I've heard it happens with RT too.

Surface | Surface Pro | Install and update

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Anonymous
2013-03-15T17:19:47+00:00

Great news folks! I was able to fix this issue!!!!! :-D

So the issue appears to be the Intel HD 4000 implementing 2 forms of battery saving contrast adapting. But we have no ability to change these settings by default.

So first of all make sure your dynamic brightness is turned off in your PC Settings and/or battery plan. Then...

Go Intel's site and download and then install the latest driver for the Intel HD Graphics 4000.

I believe this is the correct link -

EDIT: Oops my link was for the 32 bit driver. This is the one you need -

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail\_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=22375&lang=eng&wapkw=intel%C2%AE+hd+graphics+driver+for+windows+7\*+and+windows+8\*+%28exe%29

This should give you access to the Intel Graphics and Media Control panel when you right click and select Graphics Properties from the desktop.

Select ADVANCED MODE

GOTO > MEDIA > IMAGE ENHANCEMENT and disable "Adaptive Contrast Enhancement"

Then GOTO > POWER > Change POWER SOURCE to "On Battery" and make sure "Display Power Saving Technology" is disabled (that is unchecked).

Click APPLY and viola no more dynamic contrast annoyances!

YAY!

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Anonymous
2013-03-09T20:02:42+00:00

Greetings Gary,

Thank you for letting us know. Can you by chance get a video of it happening as this is something we are looking into.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-04-22T15:12:09+00:00

    If they use the Intel HD 4000, most likely. Although it may just be that MS use their own driver for it that blocks off the control panel. With access to the Intel HD control panel, this issue is fixed in seconds.

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-04-20T22:39:11+00:00

    And is this problem also found on the other Windows 8 tablet... the Dell Venue and such ?

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-04-20T14:57:31+00:00

    So this will work on the Surface Pro only ?

    Not the Surface RT ?

    Not the Surface 2 ?

    Not the Surface Pro 2 ?

    Because i have the Surface RT and i have a buyer.. so i could just sell it and buy a new Surface and use the workaround you describe.

    I mainly use the device to read comics and web browsing.. and having Flash on IE is a big plus !

    Otherwise i'll just buy an android tablet.

    This fix only works on the pro version.  I have the surface pro 1 so i know this works on that one for sure.  I'd assume as well on the surface pro 2 cause nothing much changed on that version other than the processor/graphics. 

    Microsoft for some reason refuses to fix this on the surface RT.   This is why i have not suggested this model to any family members or friends.   I would suggest either a surface pro, android, or iPad for what you are looking for.

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