Surface Pro 4 - External screen keeps turning on/off (black flickering)

Anonymous
2017-06-13T21:32:22+00:00

Hi there,

I just made a video of my recent problem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Phi\_Yru77aM

You can see that when I'm using the built-in screen of my SP4 (i7, 16GB, 512GB) and only one 4K external screen (both at 60hz), this monitor keeps turning black on a random basis. All my drivers and firmware are up to date (Surface Dock and Surface). I even tried the last Intel Iris 540, same results. I tried another MDP to DP cable, same results. I tried another screen, same results. I tried different refresh rates, same results.

I bought this screen a month ago and I was working fine at the beginning. I strongly suspect an update or the fact that I tried to connect two 4K monitors at 60hz (and I would have damaged something in the process?).

If I deactivate the built-in screen, the problem goes away (something that I just found tonight).

Should I send the device in warranty or just wait for a software fix? The 4K experience is not there yet, I'm a bit disappointed I have to say.

Cheers,

D.

Surface | Surface Pro | Display and screen

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  1. Barb Bowman 80,805 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2018-03-27T16:14:08+00:00

    replace the multi adapter with a single purpose active MDP to HDMI cable like

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S0BWR2K/

    these multi all in ones are problematic in some cases.

    >I have a mini display port adapter that translates to HDMI, DVI, and VGA.

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-05-01T00:37:54+00:00

    it's definitely a software problem. I haven't had the flicker problem for months and now it just returned after the April update.

    this is like a Pirate with a steering wheel on his belt... "it's driving me nuts!"

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  3. Anonymous
    2018-05-04T19:08:00+00:00

    I am late to the party here and have found this this is the best (or most depressing if you like) thread about this topic. I have all the symptoms. I am experiencing them as I scroll down this thread and I am using the Version 21.20.16.4678 video driver.

    A couple of point on trouble shooting. I've had my surface for many months, but have only recently used it in a docked configuration with an external monitor recently with great frustration.

    At home I have a 4K monitor where the problem is most prevalent. At work I have a curved monitor and it only has an issue occasionally (generally in video calls such as Webex). At home the issue is while scrolling or very basic screen functions.

    My wife uses my old SP3 in the same docked configuration, no issues. My son has an early SP4 and has no issues. My SP4.2017 is the only one with issues.

    I've tried the old original surface dock and the newer clock style ones. Same results.

    Connect the cable externally. Same result.

    Leave the keyboard open. Same result.

    Have lower resolutions on the external screen. Same result.

    Change the refresh rates. Same result.

    I am going to formally create a case with Microsoft.

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  4. Anonymous
    2018-05-04T19:30:16+00:00

    Sadly, you're going through the same issues we all went through.

    "I am going to formally create a case with Microsoft." I really hope that helps. Most of us have done the same thing. Ultimately I (like others) was forced to go with a different laptop.

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  5. Anonymous
    2018-05-16T00:34:19+00:00

    OK so I don't want to get anyone too excited BUT for the past week or so I've been using my computer since the April 2018 update I haven't had the issue with the flickering screen. I've got the Surface Pro I7 2017 with a 4K Asus monitor. Prior to the update I had lots of blacking out and flickering especially when running the 4K in dual display (with the surface screen on). My previous workaround was to leave the surface screen off. For the last 3 days I've run both screens without issue.

    Now it is winter here in Australia so the computer is cooler, but I have edited several raw photos in lightroom and put the computer under a bit of pressure and it hasn't turned off the screen.

    I still sometimes have rendering issues with the windows I have open and the task bar not resizing correctly but that's a separate discussion from this thread.

    In any case if anyone else has upgraded or wants to do it now, get back to us with the results.

    https://www.windowscentral.com/how-get-windows-10-april-2018-update

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