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
    2017-08-08T03:03:01+00:00

    Interesting.

    This has happened to me on two occasions.  The first was when I had my phone charging through the USB port on the brick a while back and the second just now.  It was cold and had a half charge with both the resolution and text scaling at 200%.  What struck me was the other setting - Change brightness automatically when lighting changes.  I realized I was sitting in a darkish room with edge lighting and so I unchecked, and voila.  Also, devs like to work in sub-optimal lighting, so this may also be a contributory factor.

    Hope this helps.

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-08-07T18:42:46+00:00

    It is a Microsoft program to introduce some features previous the official update. It is like a public test program. 

    "Windows 10 Insider Preview and Windows 10 Mobile Insider Preview1

    Installing Insider Preview builds is a great way to explore new Windows features, provide feedback and help shape future releases.

    Like any pre-release software, you may encounter bugs and other issues along the way. For this reason, Preview builds are made for people who know their way around a PC or device and don’t mind frequent updates with significant changes."

    More information, you can access https://insider.windows.com

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-08-07T18:33:43+00:00

    I do not quite get it well about "Insider program". Can you elaborate it?

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-08-07T18:03:16+00:00

    Dear SurfaceUsers,

    Just to share the information, I had the same issue with my Surface. I've tried a lot of things (like TaskManager, seconds in Taskbar, an additional FAN and etc). A few weeks ago, as I had everyday issues with my Surface after some hours of usage, I've included it in the Insider program (I have another laptop in this program but I never added the Surface due to unstable things made by Insider updates) and, voilá, it's working a one week with no issues. I'm using everyday, with the same behaviour (components, applications and other) and with no "extra" accessories (e.g. a FAN  - Lol). 

    I hope which it's continue working and that it maneuver help you guys.

    IMPORTANT - I've installed the Build 16251.rs3 - I don't know if with previous or after versions the issue will be solved. 

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