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
    2017-12-13T02:21:45+00:00

    Hi all,

    Latest report from my updated drivers courtesy of MS.  No change as the flickering and shaking occurs as soon as the machine heats up.  Currently about 2-3 hours of work then the flickering begins.  I have to shut down and wait for a cool down period before working again.  This is why I paid the big bucks to MS, to get a machine that is not even a good brick.

    This is very sad but true.  COME ON MS DO SOMETHING TO ADDRESS THIS FLAW!  (Shouting intended)

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-12-13T01:29:09+00:00

    Yes but now the screen shakes even when there is movement on screen tot he point that there is Ghosting/double image. This is so sad for an expensive device iva used for 6 months :(

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-12-12T13:33:20+00:00

    I have had this problem for some time now on first and my Second SP4 after Microsoft replaced the first for free.

    I agree to begin with it was only after the SP had been in use for some time and got very hot the the shakes started, but recently it starts after only a few minutes.

    I have tried all the fixes updates and support from Microsoft with out any success. I did however notice as others mentioned that if i keep tapping the screen the shaking stops.

    Finally I found a workaround to this. I downloaded a small free app called "Move Mouse" (useful for other things as well)  I have this set to auto start and make a mouse move every 20 Seconds or so. You might need to reduce the time spacing if your shaking is really bad. This so far seems to have removed the problem.

    The one drawback is my Screen saver doesn't cut in , but at least my screen has remained shake free

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-12-12T12:33:46+00:00

    here a link of SP 2017 owners complaining about screen flickering, although I not sure is it same with SP4

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/forum/surfpronew-surfdrivers/surface-pro-2017-screen-flickering/d5993f03-0a86-417c-b35d-d4e1e3e6d250

    My is SP4 fanless M3 model, I used it merely as digital drawing pad, never play games or do heavy works. Flickering started after 1.5 year.

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