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
    2017-10-19T21:46:14+00:00

    I'm also cautiously optimistic.

    I've stopped using the tablet screen during my work days, relying instead on 2 external monitors.

    And since I started doing that (about 2 months ago), the flickering has completely stopped when I used the tablet at home, even when using the tablet screen intensively for long periods of time.

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-10-19T20:41:25+00:00

    Mine still flickers and its gotten worse. A game of hearthstone gets it into hyper flicker mode that even when the screen is constantly refresh by a video or the seconds hand, it doesnt even stop. I did a full reset today which has not helped. I think im sending it in to repair tomorrow. Its unusable.

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-10-19T20:40:49+00:00

    Unfortunately for me the October firmware update hasn't fixed it.

    Flickering stopped for a good few days and then started again - it was really bad today.

    I'd say the recent update has managed to keep the overheating down - my fans don't spin up as much and the device doesn't get as hot.

    I still think it's an inherent hardware or firmware issue.

    The recent update is only masking it - I hate to bring bad news but I think it will start again for you guys at some point.

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-10-19T20:32:42+00:00

    Hi,

    Flickering stopped suddendly with last updates (16th october). All is fine now!

    Thanks.

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