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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Answer accepted by question author
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
    2020-12-30T21:54:38+00:00

    Hi, 

    I have a Surface Pro (8GB RAM, i8) and now after 4 years the flickering started. 

    Obiously I am not in the 3 year return slot anymore - but I paid near to 1800€ for this device, expecting it to last for at least 5 years. (Thats also why I invested extra for the bigger RAM and better processor)

    Now my only solution is to send it back to tech. support for additional 640€ or buy myself a new laptop?

     Sorry to say but for that kind of money I can get a new laptop - definately from another brand - with the same if not even better qualities. 

    Is that the quality vision from Microsoft? 

    Or is it safe to say Microsoft should keep with Software and leave hardware to others?

    I am extremly disappointed at this moment in time in regard to the quailty-price ration I recieved with this product. 

    Kind regards, 

    Sandra

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-12-08T09:03:24+00:00

    Hi,

    Finally a response from microsoft.

    but what a ridicolous response.

    This computer was purchased 19/12/2016. We have had problems all year. according to your email we dont qualify.

    i have another microsoft pro, and had problems from day one. Ordered direct. After miltiple calls and emails, we were told it would be replaced...was it...NO.

    I have a computer, not microsoft, that is over 8 years old, and still going strong. Microsoft is rubbish. I only purchased them due to school requirements, otherwise, forget it.

    To say there are only a few Pro having this issue..thats ridicolous...I’m sure there are many out there, people just can’t be bothered with these pathetic responses. I have x2 surface pros, both with problems.

    I will do everything in my power to not purchase microsoft ever again. I will slso ensure family and friends don’t either.

    Thanks for nothing.

    Lisa

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  3. Anonymous
    2018-02-08T16:46:14+00:00

    I am having the same problems, when I turn it on it makes weird noises, and the screen starts to flicker. I also have noticed that is using the battery very fast it doesn't even last 2 hours. 

      I what to know how this problems are going to be solved.

          I thing is not a good idea to buy a $1500 computer that lasts less than a year. I know a $1000 Mac last a good amount of time. I just know that the next time I buy a computer it will not be a Surface Pro (Windows).

    FIX THIS ISSUE BY REFUNDING THE MONEY OR CALLING IT A "SURFACE PRO 4 FAILURE".

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-02-16T15:37:58+00:00

    That's good kevnt, I am also eager to know more about the replacement process as I will also be sending my device back ASAP (On a 30 days Journey through postal service). Will like to hear your story when you will get yours one back. I don't expect it with accessories as the support agent asked to send only the device without pen or charger.  

    All the best for you :)

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