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
    2017-11-19T08:24:46+00:00

    I too have the same issue.

    It started just after my most recent update November 11. 

    as I use my surface a lot the problem is worsening with the jumping progressing to the screen pixles turning green whilst it jumps. it does not occur if I'm typing or using the cursor but will start within seconds if I stop any activity.

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-11-19T12:27:19+00:00

    I've Just spent 3 hours online with 5 different Microsoft  technicians (every time I logged on after a restart I never received the same tech even with a rejoin link) and none where able to fix the issue for me. The last one Kindly restarted my surface in safe mode instead - I then had to source my bit locker key - very frustrating. 

    Every thing suggested has been done - rolled back, new drivers. 

    Iv just converted from mac and am almost regretting it!

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-11-19T14:14:04+00:00

    Same problem since the most recent update. I have a vertical jitter that lasts for several seconds, then slows down and stops - only to restart a few seconds later. Typing or using the cursor doesn't help. Nor does opening the Task monitor - that jitters too.

    I'm not using any strange applications but fear the consequences/side effects of deleting the display driver. If an update started the problem surely it can be fixed by a new update?

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-11-19T14:29:00+00:00

    One would think that this would be the I case. I back loaded my upgrades to 1607 which was the upgrade before 1703  plus back dated drivers and display setting but it doesn't seam to have fixed the issue.

    It is extremely frustrating. I've been in contact with Microsoft and they have remote accessed my computer to fix it but after 5 attempts they don't seem to be any closer to solving the problem. Microsoft help has "upgraded" my issue to priority 2 - what that entails I am unsure. luckily I purchased an extended warranty.

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