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
    2018-01-28T09:01:37+00:00

    Had the Pro 4 i7 16GB 256GB HD for a couple of years and had the flickering issue for just under a year. Generally a mouse move would stop it temporarily.

    Just started to get the full on screen shudder that makes it unusable.

    I read somewhere (probably here) that it didn't occur when using a second monitor,

    I have a portable ASUS USB monitor and as I was desperate to get some development work done I tried it. Worked for about 3 hours using the ASUS as the only screen. No issues at all.

    Needed to see Visual Studio and the Silverlight page so, apprehensively, I set both screens visible.

    For a further 3 hours solid work not a flicker or a shudder on either screen.

    Like everyone else here I paid top dollar (£1600+ with my Education discount) and I cant afford to fork out for a new Computer.

    I only mention this as a cheaper option to extend the life of the surface as Portable USB monitors are pretty cheap.

    Microsoft's silence on this matter is despicable, when I get in a position where I can afford a new PC, Microsoft hardware won't be considered!

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-01-27T18:21:42+00:00

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  3. Anonymous
    2018-01-27T15:07:45+00:00

    That's it...mine's finally gone totally mental. It's so bad now it's unusable. :(

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  4. Anonymous
    2018-01-27T10:28:41+00:00

    This is a different flickering issue that's related to brightness. It's not the same kind of flickering that's being discussed on this thread. The problem discussed here is a hardware issue and looks like this:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O5ntJN3vWM&t=4s

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