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
    2017-11-30T07:29:10+00:00

    The problem exists in UEFI too. Maybe this is not a driver problem.

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-11-30T06:57:12+00:00

    Initially after I downgrade my surface driver to before May 2017 update this year, the screen flickering problem is solved. Then few days ago I did another windows update and the problem return.

    If I am in the US, I will sue Microsoft already for all the **** I have with this issue. It is clearly they are not fixing the bug. It is the driver.

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-11-29T17:32:46+00:00

    The only workaround I can think about is a script, that can be activated by a hotkey, which moves the cursor every second or so... since the screen won't flicker if the mouse is moving.

    Would this still work, if the problem is getting worse?

    It only gets worse. I used a script to move the mouse one pixel left and right and it worked for a week before moving the mouse stopped making the problem go away.

    I've now got triangles flapping all over my screen and it's totally unusable.

    I'm in the EU so I claimed my right for a 2 year warranty, filing a complaint with the EU Online Dispute Resolution centre. I've also been redirected to Microsoft Corporate who sent an email to me saying they would phone me within 24 hours. It's now been 25 hours and 28 mins, so I'll wait 48 hours before contacting them directly.

    I will NOT settle for less that a free replacement or a full refund,

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-11-29T17:24:56+00:00

    Have been following this thread for a month and I have the same problem.

    I have an i5-processor and 256GB SSD.

    The only workaround I can think about is a script, that can be activated by a hotkey, which moves the cursor every second or so... since the screen won't flicker if the mouse is moving.

    Would this still work, if the problem is getting worse?

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