Surface Pro 4, annoying noise from the back!

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 :-(

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.  :-(

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 

Also, here's a summary of what I've observed so far:

• My Surface Pro 4 i5 4GB/128GB emits a faint high-pitched noise/whine.  The noise is very similar to the sound of ringing in the ears after hearing a loud sound.  It can be most clearly heard along the top edge of the tablet next to the camera sensors, but also on the top right edge and bottom right edge.  This whine cannot be easily noticed when there are ambient sounds; however, it is very disturbing when I'm studying in a library or quiet room.
• The noise is affected by the brightness level:
  • It is most quiet at 0% and 100% brightness.
  • It is progressively louder from 25% to 75% brightness.
• The registry hack mentioned earlier in this thread did not affect the noise (unless I performed it incorrectly - I received a command prompt error message when deleting the setting that said the setting was not there, even though I added it w/ admin privileges).
• I have been able to rule out the following causes:
  • The CPU fan
  • The audio speakers
  • The sound is not the ringing in my own ears - I can control the level by changing the screen brightness
• The sound was not present on my Surface Pro 3
• I have heard the sound on multiple units:
  • The sound was present on my Surface Pro 4 as soon as I turned it on for the first time, and remained even after I installed all available updates.
  • I recently received two replacement units, and it was present on both units immediately after booting them up, and remained after installing all updates.
  • I have since checked other SP4 i5 units at the Microsoft Store and Best Buy, and I can hear the sound on all of them.
• Other people have confirmed they also can hear the high-pitched sound:
  • People I know and one technician at the Microsoft Store said they could hear the sound.
  • SP4 owners on various forums have confirmed that they can also hear the sound.  These include owners of my version (i5 4GB/128GB), as well as m3 versions. For example:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Surface/comments/3s19nu/very\_high\_pitched\_noise\_coming\_from\_sp4/ - I have a recording of the sound if anyone wants to hear it

Will Microsoft release a software/firmware update that addresses this issue?  If so, when?

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.

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