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
    2017-10-23T20:39:50+00:00

    I do agree really is a bit of a lemon. Like you, mine also started 2 weeks again after installing Visual Studio Code and some other Microsoft dev tools. It's not over heating as the fans are not spinning at full speed and as long I'm typing something or something's blinking on the screen there's no flickering at all. Thinking of getting a new laptop now as need one for work any suggestions?

    PS: not ready to go Mac just yet..

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-10-23T20:14:12+00:00

    Actually it's been happening to me since last week. I left Flight Simulator X running overnight, and then it started doing a really bad flicker. It's been a few days and the problem is not as noticeable, but the flickering is still visible. I have ordered a replacement because I am still under warranty, but I'm reading that people get refurbished systems, which is kind of disappointing. I would have recommended this tablet without question, but now I'm thinking that this defect will appear eventually to everyone. I love the device but it's a bit of a lemon.

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-10-23T20:10:47+00:00

    Hi All,

    Looks like I'm joining the what looks like ever growing list of people with this.. I believe that it's evident that this IS a product defect with the Surface Pro and as such Microsoft should issue a RECALL and replace all defected products. I've owned the Surface pro for just over 18 months now and it's been awesome till now.

    It's also a shame that Microsoft haven't issued an official statement to address this problem too..

    Something must be done!

    Rant over.. 

    A

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-10-23T11:21:47+00:00

    JUST WONDERING!are there any DIY ideas for the surface pro 4 since the screen issues have made it a complete crap. 

    the only way i make use of mine is by connecting a mini display to a screen with HDMI input.( my home tv).

    now need to make a choice between a MacBook and a dell xps 13

    Try cooling the RAM, maybe make a nice cooling-block of some kind?

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