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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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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
    2020-08-06T19:07:50+00:00

    At long last I have bought a new "cheap" laptop, CPU usage less, battery life longer, graphics good, no overheating. Bye Bye Microsoft

    what did you find? I'm looking for something similar in feel and function.

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-08-06T19:07:02+00:00

    BryanH

    I appreciate what you say, however it took microsoft so long to acknowledge the problem that those such as myself were not aware of the replacement program until the 3 years were up.

    I have been looking periodically, I have work to do. I use the SP4 and loved it until  it started with the flickering, which moved on to overlaying transparent images of previous windows that don't get cleared off the screen.

    I have purchased the dock, a mount, and other peripharials and hate the thought of having to switch to another setup. I love the SP(other than these issues and the inability to access and update my own RAM and Storage). 

    I'm wondering if there is a solution for people like me who have been forced to use the SP4 as something to drive an external monitor rather than getting the full benefit we expected but also for whom microsoft steathily ignored until sliding their solution in under the radar without informing the owners of these problematic items.

    I am disappointed as I thought for the price we would be treated much better than this. I barely manage to get my work to purchase me this one an when I tell them it works fine for me but I need a new one I guarantee 1-they won't spring for the pricetag. 2-at the price they'll want me to assure them it won't have similar issues (which I would be hard pressed to do).

    Again, I love the device. I'd get one if my employer had never-ending-pockets. I cannot. I can use my SP for about an hour before it goes crazy.  It gets worse for some reason when Visual Studio or Outlook are running, but I need both of those.

    I'm hoping someone may have a decent alternative to the SP.  I guess I'll have to find one and sell my dock on ebay as well as my VESA mount :(

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-07-30T19:59:05+00:00

    dear Bryan

    Im having same problem in my surface pro 3, which is less than 3 years old. what should I do?

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  4. Anonymous
    2020-07-28T13:25:12+00:00

    Microsoft Support has gone so far as to now block my replies to my case.  

    Delivery has failed to these recipients or groups:

    Surface Support (******@css.one.microsoft.com)

    Your message wasn't delivered due to a permission or security issue. It may have been rejected by a moderator, the address may only accept email from certain senders, or another restriction may be preventing delivery.

    The following organization rejected your message: CY1PQCAPSMTCS01.partners.extranet.microsoft.com.

    Service Request#: 1504921059 (Case Closed)

    Best Regards,

    Elvira P.

    Tech lead (SME)

    1 800-642-7676

    Surface Support

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