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. Anonymous
    2017-11-04T08:38:12+00:00

    Hey there,

    I have run the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit and it does not fit the problem. After a few minutes of use, the black screen flickering is back again.

    @Carlo San: I can do another run of Feedback app to collect some logs. Just let us know what we can do to fix this issue!

    Thanks,

    G.

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-11-03T16:23:27+00:00

    I had the same issue, and after running the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit the problem seems to be gone (I have been using the system for about 3 hours now and haven't seen it again).

    Thanks and all the best

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-11-01T10:45:16+00:00

    Still got problem here too.

    It seems related to the content on the external display, if I start milestone cctv software and put it on external display then the flashing goes crazy, every 2s it blinks out.

    Some sort of sync/bandwidth problem in the display driver/firmware. Sounds an easy fix if someone would just take note that the problem exists.

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-11-01T10:00:26+00:00

    Me too.  MS support are avoiding dealing with this issue. It's likely an intrinsic fault with the hardware, as I've been talking to them since February.

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  5. Anonymous
    2017-11-01T09:54:44+00:00

    I am still facing the same intermittent turn off/on problem here 8 month after buying my 4K monitor.

    I have applied all updates including Fall creators. (all via automatic update)

    Intel Iris Graphics 540 driver version: 21.20.16.4627 date 3/9/2017.

    The problem must rely in the display driver, and for some reason it is only a problem on i7 Surfaces.

    It would be nice with some feedback from Microsoft.

    Please.

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