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
    2017-05-16T16:49:46+00:00

    • Just to verify, can everyone confirm if all have installed the Creators Update?

    YES

    • When you turn on the Surface, did you notice if the Surface logo flickers/shakes as well?

    NOT ALWAYS, BUT IN SOME CASES THAT OCCURRED.

    • Does it occurs immediately after you logged in to Windows, or when working on a certain task? If so, how long does flickering/shaking last?

    IT OCCURS AFTER SOME TIME OF USE (FROM 1 TO 5 HOURS OF USE). I DONT KNOW IF ITS A TEMPERATURE ISSUE OR NOT. TO GET OFF THE FLICKERING I NEED TO TURN OFF THE COMPUTER FOR AT LEAST ONE HOUR.

    • Does your device connect to your external monitor/s via Surface docking station when this occurs?

    IT OCCURS CONNECTED OR NOT CONNECTED WITH SURFACE DOCKING.

    • Are you using a splitter/adapter to connect directly to an external monitor without the docking station?

    I USE THE SURFACE DOCK. JUST THE SURFACE SCREEN SHAKES.

    OTHER THINGS I TRIED (NO SUCCESS):

    1. FACTORY RESET
    2. DRIVER DESINSTALL AND REINSTALL
    3. ENTER ON SAFE MODE AFTER THE FLICKERING STARTS
    4. TRIED TO USE JUST EDGE AFTER THE FACTORY RESET

    IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATIONS, FELL FREE TO ASK.

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-05-16T17:00:00+00:00

    Creators Update installed

    Surface screen vibrates immediately (with 5 seconds if no updates to the screen).

    Putting a 'seconds' counter on the task bar clock stops the vibration providing the task bar is visible.

    Within 5 seconds of hiding the task bar the vibration starts again.

    Connecting a projector via the HDMI adaptor plugged into the Surface and hiding the task bar causes the screen to vibrate, but the picture from the projector does not vibrate.

    Hope this information helps.

    Regards,

    Jonathan

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-05-16T17:03:21+00:00

    Yes regarding the Update

    I have never had the Surface startup logo flicker (the only time it has not frozen/flickered)

    It can occur anytime and is totally random.

    The screen freezes (I attached a photo a week or so ago) and the system is inoperable...I hold down the power button for about 30 seconds to shut the system off.  Wait about 30 minutes. Then it is a roll of the dice whether (or when) the problem will reappear.

    I have a Surface keypad but the issue occurs whether or not it is connected. No splitter/adapters

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-05-16T17:07:40+00:00

    HI Joseph, please see below:

    • Just to verify, can everyone confirm if all have installed the Creators Update?

    Yes, it is installed. Latest Windows Updates as well.

    • When you turn on the Surface, did you notice if the Surface logo flickers/shakes as well?

    Yes, but only if the device has already started exhibiting the issue. It typically does not happen from a cold boot

    • Does it occurs immediately after you logged in to Windows, or when working on a certain task? If so, how long does flickering/shaking last?

    If I connect to a second display it can take < 30 mins. It will continue for the rest of my working day. If I moving content it will stop shaking the screen, but a couple of times the shaking has been so severe that this does not help.

    • Does your device connect to your external monitor/s via Surface docking station when this occurs?

    Yes via external docking state, though it does also happen with the built in mini-display adapter and when not connected to a second monitor.

    • Are you using a splitter/adapter to connect directly to an external monitor without the docking station?

    I have before as with the bullet point.

    Hope this helps, if you want direct contact with me let me know so it can be arranged.

    Luke

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