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.

0 comments
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]

Was this answer helpful?

100+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

2,779 additional answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2017-04-14T17:35:15+00:00

    Is anyone really paying MSFT for a replacement machine? My warranty expired in Feb 17 and the flicker problem began two weeks ago. This is not my problem, this is a MSFT problem and I will not pay a dime to have this POS fixed. Thread suggests that MSFT engineers are working on a patch. I know they are very busy creating mindless  xbox games for Americas youth but some of us actually use their computers to do useful work, and we deserve some of their attention to fix this problem. I patiently await the call when the patch is ready and I can use my Surface again. If none is forthcoming or if I am expected to pay for a fix, it goes into the lake and apple will be my computer company from now on. MSFT should be ashamed of such shabby treatment of customers who have used their products since 1981.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2017-04-13T15:20:11+00:00

    My warranty expired recently but had this problem since around november hoping for a fix.

    Sent mine away on Monday for an 'out of warranty replacement' device. Got the new one today (Thursday), just 4 days later. Big kudos for very fast exchange. Looks like a brand new one, doesn't look like a refurbished one. Hopefully this problem will not come back on the new device.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2017-04-13T14:59:47+00:00

    I have the same problem, my SP4's screen flickers a lot, it's intermittent some times it does not happen, then some other days it happens a lot.

    Some times rebooting alleviates it for a few minutes.

    I had a tech support chat where the support representative told me it's a known issue and they're working to release a patch to fix this, although I am not quite convinced, I have been having this for a few months and I was hoping the creators update would fix it, but that did not happen, in fact it might have gotten worse.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2017-04-13T02:34:44+00:00

    Hi,

    I have almost the same experience as you, the flickering did not happen immediately after purchase, but a few months later. It will start with a minor flickering, irritating and disruptive if using for your work. And it will be worst after few weeks on, the display will be almost unreadable. I had tried resetting, installed new drivers etc, and even have Microsoft tech remotely diagnose the issue, twice, but it did not help.

    I decided to ask for replacement, after I realise that even at the boot up, i.e. the "SURFACE" splash screen was flickering before entering into the Windows 10 OS. I also tested by booting into UEFI screen, and it is still flickering, this somewhat tells me its hardware issue. My SP4 was still under warranty. I'm keeping my fingers cross that this replacement unit I have will not flicker again after a few months, as the replacement unit warranty is only 3mths. 

    hope this helps.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments