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
    2018-03-27T00:24:24+00:00

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2018-03-26T18:54:21+00:00

    Same problem here. I bought this pc as a laptop for work, trusting Microsoft's leading experience in technology and thinking Surface to be a reliable machine for at least 4/5 years: don't forget that it's a high-end product.

    This issue appeared after less than 2 years (Microsoft warranty expires after 1 year), and when the display flickers the laptop becomes unusable: what a disappointing experience.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2018-03-26T16:07:41+00:00

    i got the same problem . i think that is the hardware problem, my solution is used a fan to help to cool down the machine.  Definitely a hardware problem, Microsoft should provide a free repair for us

    I totally agree. Microsoft ought to provide an assertive answer. The just temporize with foolish distractions solutions scripts.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2018-03-25T23:02:34+00:00

    Im just going to chime in, not like it 's going to make a difference but what the hell?!

    I ourchased my surgace in october 2015. In october 2016 i had a flickering problem that would stop when the task manager was on the screen. I got an update ans the flickering stopped. 

    Perfect. 

    Fast forward to march 2018 its back and its worse than before. It only happens to me when the surface gets hott and the fans kick in. 

    So my two options would be to direct a fan and on the device  and see if it makes a differnce or use an external monitor. 

    Not even three years and my $2000.00 surface is a brick. 

    Thanks microsoft. 

    Go to https://flickergate.com/ and join the group. Contact the lawyers that are investigating the case. Microsoft is not going to do the right thing unless forced by a big group.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments