Surface Pro 4, annoying noise from the back!

I can hear that noise loud and clear in that video.  However, the sound I hear is a different sound that is more like ear-ringing / tinnitus, and it can be altered by changing the screen brightness settings. 

From what it sounds like (no pun intended), we have two different sounds being emitted from the camera sensor area (and elsewhere, too):

1. High-pitched noise that sounds like ear-ringing; can be changed by altering the brightness; loudest at brightness setting above 0% or below 100%
2. High-pitched scratching noise / coil whine; can be changed by touching the screen, or changing what content is displayed on the screen.

NOTE: The sound of the fan is NOT the same as either of these.

PS: Good job on recording that video!

I would also like to know if the noise is present on i7 units!

Hey thanks for the summary,

Have you noticed any change? I have the exact same problem with my i5 8GB/256GB do you think things are different with i7 units?

If anyone else here has an i7 it would be great if they could confirm whether or not you can hear any sound. As previously stated it is most obvious with brightness in between 25 and 75 percent and when listening close to the camera sensors.

Hello GiovanniSm

When did this start happening?

Can you confirm that Surface is fully up to date?  Did all updates install successfully?

Do you notice this happening under other circumstances, beyond dimmed screen?

Best regards 

John1F, is it possible to get any response from Microsoft concerning this high-pitched noise problem?  I am trying as hard as I can to keep my $1400 with Microsoft on this Surface device + accessories  - I've spent hours and hours (around 15) talking with Microsoft techs on the phone and in person, I've made multiple trips to Microsoft stores and spent a lot on gas, I've spent a lot of time problem-shooting on multiple devices... but still I have not heard anything concerning whether Microsoft will address this issue.  Like I said, I am trying as hard as I can to keep my money with Microsoft, but I can't spend $1400 on a device that hurts my ears when in a quiet room.  I only have a couple weeks left before I can no longer return the device.  If I don't find out whether the problem will be addressed, I'll have no choice but to return the device - not because I don't like the device, but because it hurts my ears when studying.  :-(

Could also be the LCD backlight driver. These are often run by switching regulators and the sound would spread across the LCD. Try use the device without running suggested brightness. It could be that on suggested brightness the regulator doesn't stabilise completely before the set point in brightness is changed (this would be pretty simple to fix in firmware, just limit the update rate of the brightness)

Do you think there is anyone in Microsoft who could give an answer on whether this is definitely fixable via firmware?  I don't have much time left before I have to decide whether I'll return this device :-(