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
    2017-09-24T10:03:43+00:00

    Is Windows Insider builds really fixed this issue? I read 2 replies here about updating to Windows Insider fast ring with successfully fixed issue.

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-09-23T09:04:34+00:00

    Hi Jason,

    Yes, that's a temporary workaround discussed earlier in this thread. The flickering will recur even with the seconds in system clock. 

    Some other temporary workarounds:

    Users feedback form created by MariaNassar_95 in this thread to get Microsoft's attention:

    I have tried all the above and the flickering still recurred. Through Windows Insider Program, Windows Build 16294.1, the flickering occurred less often. Along with the system clock workaround, it can provide a tolerable temporary fix.

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-09-22T18:27:23+00:00

    Hello all,

    I am not sure if you guys have figured out the solution to the screen flickering.  I sure haven't.  My surface is out of warranty and I do not live near any Microsoft store.  I did, however, figure out a work around and if it hasn't been shared before, I hope it helps.  In order to get the screen to stop flickering, I added a second counter to the window clock as demonstrated here:

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows\_10-other\_settings/how-to-get-the-windows-10-clock-to-show-seconds/816c489c-2e93-45ce-ad56-9b9b9b93013f

    You can create a command in the registry to allow the clock to show a second hand.  You do not have to download any third party software.  This stopped the screen from flickering while the window clock is showing making it MUCH more livable especially when I read articles/websites or edit photos in photoshop/lightroom.  Hope this helps at least temporary until Microsoft comes up with a fix or a replacement policy.  

    Jason

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-09-22T16:52:18+00:00

    got a replacement for mine too... after some months the flickering re-appeared. now my warranty is up and there's a crack on my screen which now makes replacing the device expensive ($450 to be exact).... just don't bother getting it replaced as this is a problem engraved to the sp4 device

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