Surface Laptop 3 screen flickering issue - I had this with the Surface Pro 4 too

Anonymous
2020-04-11T01:56:49+00:00

Hello everyone,

I just noticed a problem with my two-month old Surface Laptop 3 (i7/16/256): there is screen flickering in the lower left corner of the screen. The flicker disappears when I move the mouse or play a video. I immediately panicked since I had a similar issue with my previous Surface Pro 4 and it turns out it was a hardware issue. The biggest issue is that on the Surface Pro 4 it has gotten worse over time.

Returning at this time is out of question for me, I need it for work.

Anyone else has this issue ? I'm not expecting an easy fix but who knows. 

PS: Below is a video with the issue:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zE4oI9wfAk

Thanks !

Surface | Surface Laptop | Display and screen

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Anonymous
2020-06-15T22:17:27+00:00

Ok everyone, I have great news !  (edit: not so great)

I managed to fix the issue (edit: nope).

Just as I suspected, it is indeed a power management issue where the panel tries to optimize power consumption by utilizing a technology called "panel self-refresh" which basically allows the screen electronics to refresh its current image independent of the graphics card if nothing has changed on the screen. You must disable that.

Here are the steps:

  • Open Microsoft Store, then search for and install "Intel® Graphics Command Center".
  • Open the app, go the "System" vertical tab, then go the "Power" horizontal tab
  • Disable the "Panel Self-Refresh" option on both "On Battery" and "Plugged In" modes.

The problem should instantly disappear, even before you leave the app.

EDIT: Unfortunately, the problem will only lessen in frequency, but will not disappear completely. But I will leave this post here, maybe it helps in some cases.

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  1. Anonymous
    2020-07-01T08:26:43+00:00

    In my case, the vertical flickering bar stayed for couple of days; vanished a day later but reappeared again. So I proceeded with replacement under warranty and just received my replacement laptop today. Hope the replaced one (not new, seems refurbished) continues to serve well without any issues.

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-06-29T17:25:49+00:00

    Believe it or not, but I had the same problem and I fixed it by changing the collor of the taskbar to "light". It is sad that I have to use it like this, but it is better than going back to the store and losing time trying to fix it. 

    I did this, but the flicker is present in the light mode as well. No luck

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-06-29T17:11:26+00:00

    Ok everyone, I have great news !  (edit: not so great)

    I managed to fix the issue (edit: nope).

    Just as I suspected, it is indeed a power management issue where the panel tries to optimize power consumption by utilizing a technology called "panel self-refresh" which basically allows the screen electronics to refresh its current image independent of the graphics card if nothing has changed on the screen. You must disable that.

    Here are the steps:

    • Open Microsoft Store, then search for and install "Intel® Graphics Command Center".
    • Open the app, go the "System" vertical tab, then go the "Power" horizontal tab
    • Disable the "Panel Self-Refresh" option on both "On Battery" and "Plugged In" modes.

    The problem should instantly disappear, even before you leave the app.

    EDIT: Unfortunately, the problem will only lessen in frequency, but will not disappear completely. But I will leave this post here, maybe it helps in some cases.

    Did you manage to solve the issue? 

    Or can you suggest any checks if it can be something else?

    Would be very helpful 

    Thanks

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  4. Anonymous
    2020-06-29T05:07:49+00:00

    Just an update from my end: The vertical flickering bar seems to have vanished today when I turned on the surface laptop. It most certainly is a hardware issue, going by what has been posted in this thread, and perhaps a more permanent fix would be an exchange. 

    I can report that mine has vanished as well. I didn't have to shut down the laptop, I just left it alone for an hour or so.

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