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
    2018-02-01T05:52:32+00:00

    The Register has just written an article about our godforsaken machines. They reached out to Microsoft for comment didn't get a response, unfortunately.

    https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/02/01/microsoft\_q2\_fy2018\_surface\_pro/

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-02-01T05:39:47+00:00

    The new surface pro 5 is out now which does not have the same hardware issue, tell them you want a direct replacement new for old or your money back. Hope this helps

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  3. Anonymous
    2018-02-01T05:29:15+00:00

    We left my i5 256gb unit the other day at a Microsoft store as my screen started to flicker within less than a year of using the device.

    They just got back to us earlier today saying that this was a hardware problem and the unit must be replaced. But they also went on saying that my model has been discontinued, so they cannot offer a replacement as of now.

    Not sure how to go on about this. I'm not sure I even want the new Surface Pro as a replacement. Extremely disappointed at Microsoft!

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  4. Anonymous
    2018-01-31T23:50:12+00:00

    I just spoke to Microsoft out-of-warranty UK support. I was told that my only option is a £400 replacement (which I can't afford). I was hoping that replacing the screen myself would repair the flickering but she advised me that it wouldn't make any difference because it's a hardware problem. 

    She acknowledged that Microsoft is aware of Flickergate and that it's not really acceptable that a 'premium' device is unusable after fifteen months. 

    I feel scammed by Microsoft, I really do. 

    I live in Thailand and bought an SP 4 here 13 months ago. The screen got the dreaded flicker as described in this thread, just after the 12 month warranty ended. Nevertheless Microsoft (Thailand) have just given me a 'refurbished' SP4 machine at no cost even for couriers, despite 'out of warranty'. So I suspect MS service people are now well aware of the scree flicker issue due to overheating.

    To anyone whom MS is asking to pay for a screen repair, perhaps you can cite my case (and I think others on this thread) who have recieved free "refurbished" machines.

    Nevertheless I am not happy.  SP is a high end, expensive product ( and I really liked it until I got the flicker). Such hardware failures should not occur.

    The inconvenience of losing my machine for two weeks during the 'swap'; 

    All the software re-installs; 

    And now holding my breath wondering if/when flicker will return.

    I will be looking at the alternatives to SP for my next machine

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