Surface Pro 9 Screen Flickers/Scramble

Anonymous
2022-11-15T03:50:01+00:00

Hello,

I am facing a very weird issue with my Surface Pro 9 Screen. I have been getting tiny flickering / screen scramble, extremely randomly, maybe once in 5-6 hours. I have tried contacting the support but I do not think I have been given any proper solution and it's annoying. Rather, I have been asked to do the impossible task of getting a video recording of this phenomena. I can't be staying without a device especially considering my workload as a graduate student and I have been consistently dealing with unreliability. And I also can not be dealing with this non sense of wasting my whole day recording the screen for a random lucky chance of observing the flicker.

Anyway, the issue is that I am worried about the long term health of my screen. As of now, there is no inconvenience caused by these flickers because they happen for about < 1s and once in 5-6 hours on average. But I am extremely worried about the long run. I don't want to be wasting my time sending this device for repairs for issues that should not have arise in the first place. Is there any reliable fix for this situation?

I have tried disabling or changing graphic settings and I have tried all the default steps of updating/reinstalling drivers. I have also kept my surface pro to default setting as much as possible without any modification.

I'd also like to know if it's just possible to get this device replaced? I am still under 1 month period from the date of arrival of this product. Although, I am unable to see any return option which is also distressing me.

Overall, I am extremely worried about how it will pan out in the long run. I absolutely do not want to be wasting my time over this. Please help.

Surface | Surface Pro | Display and screen

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

107 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2024-01-02T18:02:32+00:00

    Ok, after a little more messing around, I have been able to replicate what I did a year ago to solve this, and for me the problem is resolved again after my factory reset. The issue seems to be a problem with the panel self refresh system.

    First, make sure you are up to date with Windows Update, then download the latest display drivers directly from intel at:

    https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/download/785597/intel-arc-iris-xe-graphics-windows.html

    Launch the installer package executable, when the installer loads, accept terms, decline improvement program, customize install and uncheck ARC control and Driver Support Assistant as you don't need them. Install the graphics driver and restart.

    Once restarted launch the Intel Graphics Command Centre and we are going to disable variable and self refresh technology, so change the following:

    Connected Displays (second icon down) go to global settings and disable Adaptive Sync

    Next Go to System (fourth icon down) then Power, disable Panel Self Refresh.

    Restart.

    Now hopefully you should have a system that is much smoother when scrolling and free of the display tearing and glitching that ruins the experience. You may be able to just disable panel self refresh, but I did not notice anything not working after disabling Adaptive Sync.

    It may also be possible to simply download Intel Graphics Command centre from the Windows Store, but I did not see the option for toggling panel self refresh in the factory driver.

    Hope this fixes your machine too.

    Rob.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2024-01-02T17:39:29+00:00

    Finally you were able to make a video of the well know flickering problem congrats. That is the one. Exactly. installing 'Intel Graphics Command Center' and turn off all 'VESA Adaptive Sync' features. seems to reduce the problem. Try it please.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2024-01-02T17:27:03+00:00

    Hey Rob, like everyone else, I'm struggling with a flickering issue with my SP9. I had the dedication to take a screen shot and a video of the issue. Could you please check the link below and confirm whether this is the issue you and everyone else have faced or not?

    link to 2 images and 2 videos:

    https://1drv.ms/f/s!Au8xeAszKCWulCLYdWlxGRm18Cw1?e=kkj7Ll

    Also, how did you resolve the issue?

    I'm desperate; I got my SP9 replaced, but there is still an issue there. Also, as I'm writing this reply, I'm talking with an agent from Microsoft Live Chat, and they are about to issue a second service order, which will result in a third replacement.

    I don't know what to do.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2023-12-26T22:44:02+00:00

    It's a setting in the display driver, but to change it you need to install the control panel from Intel that is not on the device.

    Just install 'Intel Graphics Command Center' from the windows store, open it, navigate to 'connected displays', on the global settings tab turn off all 'VESA Adaptive Sync' features.

    I dont know if this problem is caused by a hardwear fault, or if it is a feature that should be disabled by default but isn't in later updates, but turning adaptive refresh off solved the problem for a year for me.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2023-12-26T21:57:42+00:00

    I got a replacement back in september for another issue and with this new device i got the same problem super randomly throughout the day and has been really frustrating and annoying during my finals week. is there a an update that can be pushed through my surface or its an resolved through a replacement?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments