Surface Pro 4, Screen Flickering, Shaking

Anonymous
2017-01-19T07:47:47+00:00

Hi All,

Update: Flickergate is now having a forum to bring all affected users at a single platform to plan for resolvement of issue. Please join at

 https://forum.flickergate.com

UPDATE: Check FlickerGate.com for videos of the problem and to submit your own. 

I purchased SP4 device a few months ago and it was working fine for a month. Then I noticed that when the CPU is at its max, the screen flickers a bit. Investigating further revealed that it flickers even if it is setting idle. It does not flicker if at least one of the following thing is done:

  1. A video being played in browser 
  2. If I keep the touch screen busy by either taping it or keeping a finger on it
  3. If I use the touchpad
  4. If keyboard is used for typing

This resulted in making the device completely unusable while reading articles or ebooks. I am a developer, most of the time I have to read the code and to do that, I have to constantly keep a finger on the touch pad or the screen. I contacted surface support in October and November and was told that the developers are working on the patch. Looking at the updates the developers are pushing since then, I don't think anyone is even aware of the problem there. 

My previous support ticket numbers are:

 ***deleted personally identifiable information***

***deleted personally identifiable information***

Just wondering if anyone else had the same problem (and the fix) and if not, what's the procedure for the refund? I will rather go for a mac then sacrificing $2000+ for a dancing screen.  

Kind Regards,

Abbas

***Personal information deleted by the moderator. Please see the Microsoft Community Frequently Asked Questions for more information on how you can protect your privacy.***

Surface | Surface Pro | Display and screen

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Anonymous
2018-05-11T17:59:00+00:00

Hey Everyone,

Creating the best products and experiences for our customers is our top priority.

We have heard your feedback and after careful examination, have determined that a small percentage of Surface Pro 4 devices are exhibiting a screen flicker that cannot be addressed with a firmware or driver update.

To support customers affected by this issue, we will replace eligible Surface Pro 4 devices for up to three years from the date of purchase, free of charge. If you believe your device is experiencing this issue, please visit our Surface Pro 4 screen flicker article for more details.

Bryan [MSFT]

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  1. Anonymous
    2018-01-31T15:49:36+00:00

    Thanks,

    I am planning to go to one the canadian stores for fix or replace my SP4, so do you know the policy of microsoft stores in Canada for this problem? Do they replace my screen or give me refurbished device? And how much money should i pay for it? I mean screen replacing or buy refurbished models.

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-01-31T14:12:10+00:00

    Yes, I understand that efforts have been made but without much success.

    You don't suppose that Microsoft just might have some influence in all of these tech writers and reports?  LOL  very tongue in cheek reply.

    I guess it works like politics. If you piss off who you're reporting on then you lose access to the 'in' group and the hotbed of tips and scoops. 

    Edit: Sorry for doubting you, tech journalists. Thanks for up this story!

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  3. Anonymous
    2018-01-31T11:19:52+00:00

    Is replacing the screen guaranteed to make the flickering go away? I'm thinking about attempting a DIY replacement although I'm worried about breaking it completely and being left high and dry without a computer.

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  4. Anonymous
    2018-01-31T09:34:00+00:00

    From what I can see, if you are out of warranty, you will be paying for the fix.  The fix in some countries seems to be a new screen.  In other countries, Microsoft will replace the device with a refurbished device.

    In any case, it's not going to be a cheap fix!

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