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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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
    2017-05-05T16:15:49+00:00

    My SP4 does it whether hot or cold and it does it all the time whether the fan is running or not. Microsoft has told me they will replace for $450, but I've already paid $1400 for this thing. So frustrated.

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-05-05T16:37:56+00:00

    Does anyone else have a dark smudge on your display in the area where the flickering is the worst?

    I finally contacted Microsoft after months of research and attempting to fix this problem myself. They responded that it is a defective unit and want $450 for a replacement. I told them "no thank you" because the replacement will likely have the same issue. I also told the technician to read this thread and that they need to do a full recall/replacement of these defective units.

    I contacted the company I purchased it from and told them I want to return this piece of junk to them for a full refund. I doubt they will give it to me though since they keep referring me to Microsoft.  

    Adding the seconds to the clock is helping for now, but that does not address the issue of Microsoft selling defective SP4s. In addition to the flickering, I'm having the fan/heat issues as well.

    I've also contacted the FCC per someone's suggestion in this thread.

    Beyond Frustrated! You know, it's a shame that we now live in a world where 'quality' no longer exists.

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-05-05T17:14:54+00:00

    If u are in the US try a Microsoft retail store.  They tend to be much more cooperative.

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-05-05T18:01:55+00:00

    I would do that, but there is not a single store in Alabama.

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