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
    2020-12-13T10:51:05+00:00

    I have this same issue. I own 2x Surface Pro 4. One with i7 and one with i5. The i5 was used extensively and just as the warranty expired, the screen flickering started occurring to the point where the SP4 is only usable with and external display. The only consolation is that this i5 version had a good run. I would still expect it to keep working for the premium that was paid for it. 

    The i7 is worse. It's for home use and only had intermittent use. It's the more expensive if the 2 and the same issue started occurring regardless. 

    According to the official support it's € 650 or so to exchange it for a refurbished one. 

    This is obviously Microsoft's issue from manufacturing and they still expect the user to pay as much as they would for a 2nd hand device.

    It's a very simple conclusion not to buy a Microsoft hardware anymore ever again. 

    Just for comparison, when I had an issue with a different premium brand and presented a manufacturing issue, they just replaced the product. That's why you pay the premium. And I'm happy to buy their products again and again.

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-12-09T02:59:19+00:00

    The problem is even worst when the surface is very warm!

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-12-08T22:44:36+00:00

    I certainly won't be buying anything more from Microsoft, and given the handling of this issue betrays a poorly managed company, I'll be divesting my stock ownership.

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  4. 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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