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
    2017-04-05T14:48:39+00:00

    Hi,

    There was no Microsoft store here, but there was a distribution office. The replacement unit I received does not seem like a refurb unit. I checked the USB ports and power connection points, there were no markings as far as I can tell. The screen is good. It looks new to me, as far as best to my knowledge.

    I got my unit within 3-5 working days.

    I paid a deposit(ie debit hold on your credit card) to have a replacement sent to me first and I return the non-functioning unit within two weeks.

    hope this is helpful.

    p.s. I fully understand all your frustration, I was in the same boat.

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-04-05T14:54:02+00:00

    Hi,

    I have the same issue. If you have updated the drivers/software/firmware etc and also did some diagnostic with Microsoft technician, online, and still have the same issue. I suggest to ask for replacement if under warranty. I have the same problem, it was not a nice experience for me, especially when I need to use SP4 for my work. See my earlier posts.

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-04-05T14:58:35+00:00

    Hi,

    oops, notice that yours is out of warranty.

    I know it sounds not a practical idea for a portable device, is it possible to connect to another display to use it?, at least for a temporary solution.

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-04-07T08:54:22+00:00

    I downloaded creators update using the latest update assistant yesterday and the latest firmware. So far I havn't noticed any jumping. Hopefully it has been fixed. Anyone else can confirm?

    I still have a support ticket for a replacement in case I see any jumping again, but so far so good. Hopefully I don't have to send it off.

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