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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
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]

Was this answer helpful?

100+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

2,779 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2017-11-30T17:40:44+00:00

    it's a real shame so many have to waste time

    writing scripts, uninstalling drivers, re-installing w10, etc. etc.

    firmware, just like a driver, is software. it'd be an intentional bug/feature to exhibit this random flickering.  it has to be some chip that is on its way to death.

    my solution was to drop the SP4 onto the carpet from a height of say 3 feet.

    jitter occurrence has decreased to a tolerable level.  for now.

    you all remember the old remedy of clearing up the old tv screen:

    kick the darn thing...

    seriously, it is time for a large android for me.

    I'd rather put my nine-month-old flicker i7 Surface Pro 4 under the front wheel of my SUV in my garage to patch the hole and make the surface even...

    Please troubleshoot with support and have the device returned if it is within the warranty period. Please do not wait on a fix, it is not coming. This has been going on for almost two years now.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2017-11-30T17:38:44+00:00

    having the same issue. bought the surface in the states but live in germany. although still having some month  guarantee left, german support service rejects the replacement due to a small damage at the usb port (without any functional damage)

    What a shame

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2017-11-30T17:34:46+00:00

    it's a real shame so many have to waste time

    writing scripts, uninstalling drivers, re-installing w10, etc. etc.

    firmware, just like a driver, is software. it'd be an intentional bug/feature to exhibit this random flickering.  it has to be some chip that is on its way to death.

    my solution was to drop the SP4 onto the carpet from a height of say 3 feet.

    jitter occurrence has decreased to a tolerable level.  for now.

    you all remember the old remedy of clearing up the old tv screen:

    kick the darn thing...

    seriously, it is time for a large android for me.

    I'd rather put my nine-month-old flicker i7 Surface Pro 4 under the front wheel of my SUV in my garage to patch the hole and make the surface even...

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2017-11-30T17:06:59+00:00

    Is Microsoft going to do the right thing and recall all the affected products since it is clearly a (planned?) manufacturing defect?

    Mine just started flickering a week ago, the warranty is out, never suspect such an expensive device would last less than 1.5 years for a $2k+ price tag. I wouldn't make noise if it is something of <$1k range product.

    Had bad experiences with Microsoft, I thought perhaps finally Microsoft started getting into the right direction, so purchased a surface pro 4 instead of a Macbook pro.

    In the end.... This would be the last ever Microsoft device I'd ever purchase or recommend anyone if no response is given for flickergate issue

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments