Screen flicker and ghosting

Hi Steve

I have gone through the software repair tool that NoNine or in their response, not sure if it's solved the problem, but might be worth doing anyway.

I have discovered that the problem of ghosting only starts occuring when the device is working hard, i.e. has a couple of heavy programs running at the same time. This suggests it's a hardware issue, but i only ran one big program at any one time yesterday, and it worked fine all day. I know it doesnt solve your problem, but it might help you get through africa without having to do without your surface for a while.

Ultimately though, this needs a replacement device, none of the software repair tools work, but they might just iron out some unknown creases in other programs we didn't know were there.

Enjoy the ride, i am heading there next April on my KTM.

Hey Neil

I haven't run the software repair tool yet but will do once I get some decent internet! I don't hold out much hope though...

Regarding the heavy usage, mine starts doing it within minutes of turning the system on and only running Google Chrome! As it did just now when I tried to do some internet banking.

I'm in contact with Support via Twitter so hopefully something can be sorted (ideally collecting a replacement from an authorised dealer or from their offices in Nairobi) otherwise I'm just carrying around almost 2 grands worth of metal and plastic.

Good luck with Africa though. It's immense. You'll love it.

This could be a hardware related issue. We suggest that you run the Software Repair Tool from this link and see if the issue will be resolved. If not, we recommend that you visit one of our Microsoft Store near your area. You can also contact our Answer Desk team.

Feel free to post back if you have other questions or concerns.

I ran the software repair too, checked for updates, uninstalled and reinstalled the drivers and then attempted 2 factory resets on my devices.  None of which solved the problem.  Infact it started ghosting and flickering when it was rebooting from a factory reset.

I took both tablets into the Microsoft Store and they said this was a known hardware issue and did a warranty replacement on both devices.

The same issue has been happening to me SP4 in the last few weeks. It's also a few months out of warranty. Unfortunately, I don't live in the US; I'm in Singapore. Are there any solutions that I can seek. The device is so painful to use nowadays. I'm getting both the ghosting and the constant flickering

Hi Marcus,

A software installation alone will make the screen flicker. Please follow some of the methods to get this resolved:

Method 1: Fix common Surface problems using the Software Repair Tool.

Method 2: Uninstall Duet Display. Here's how:

1. Go to Start
2. Select Settings > System > Apps & Features
3. Check to see if Duet Display is listed under installed software. If Duet Display is in the apps list, uninstall it.

Method 3: Install any available updates.

Method 4: If you have Hyper-V installed, please turn it off. Here's how: 

1. Select the search box in the taskbar, type in programs and features, and select Programs and Features.
2. Select Turn Windows features on or off.
3. Remove the check from Hyper-V and tap OK.
4. Restart your Surface device.

If the issue remains the same after following all the methods, you may keep in touch with our Global Customer Service. Or get your Surface serviced.

Please feel free to contact us again for future concerns.

Regards.