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
    2013-03-15T18:35:37+00:00

    Oh you are welcome guys! So glad I could help other enjoy this fantastic device. This issue was the only thing that was limiting my enjoyment of this device.

    MS are free to hire me if they want, I am a professional IT manager :)

    Really meant to share this weeks ago, feel bad it took me so long. I had this issue fixed within a week of getting my device a few days after launch. I kept forgetting to post it because I wasn't having the issue anymore so it was out of sight and out of mind. Just remembered this morning.

    Let's spread the word so all other Surface Pro users can increase their enjoyment of this incredible peice of hardware!

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-03-18T22:26:32+00:00

    Many thanks Parable!

    The issue was driving me mad and had feared it was a hardware issue.

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-05-24T01:30:04+00:00

    I'm still having the issue despite the driver upgrade and setting adjustment. I notice when I try to adjust the screen brightness from higher to lower is when it flickers quite a bit and then automatically goes back to full brightness. Can you be more specific of what settings to turn off as there are many in each section of the power option choices. Thanks, boy, this is frustrating.

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