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
    2020-12-14T04:22:41+00:00

    Well Brian, my screen started flickering the beginning of November, 3 years and ONE MONTH after the 3 year deadline, thanks anyway...............

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-12-30T21:54:38+00:00

    Hi, 

    I have a Surface Pro (8GB RAM, i8) and now after 4 years the flickering started. 

    Obiously I am not in the 3 year return slot anymore - but I paid near to 1800€ for this device, expecting it to last for at least 5 years. (Thats also why I invested extra for the bigger RAM and better processor)

    Now my only solution is to send it back to tech. support for additional 640€ or buy myself a new laptop?

     Sorry to say but for that kind of money I can get a new laptop - definately from another brand - with the same if not even better qualities. 

    Is that the quality vision from Microsoft? 

    Or is it safe to say Microsoft should keep with Software and leave hardware to others?

    I am extremly disappointed at this moment in time in regard to the quailty-price ration I recieved with this product. 

    Kind regards, 

    Sandra

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-12-31T00:11:33+00:00

    I have exactly the same experience; in fact I had 3 Surface Pro 4, one for me and 2 for the children, They all started flickering after 3 years. This is a rip-off by Microsoft, they give $200 credit towards purchase of a new Surface. I paid about $1400 each! - They have a design issue in the hardware. Very bad from Microsoft. Never a hardware from Microsoft again - I am surprised that they get away with this. There should be a class action lawsuit for manufacturing defective products

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  4. Anonymous
    2021-02-15T23:08:06+00:00

    Microsoft,

    What if it my computer is over 3 years old and starts to exhibit this issue?  I think it was purchased in March 2017.

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