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
    2018-03-31T19:04:50+00:00

    I have the same issue... to reply to your bullet points:

    • When did the screen start flickering?

    few days ago

    • What programs were running when you experienced the screen flickering?

    movie player and web browser

    • Are you encountering the screen shaking when you’re in UEFI settings?

    Yes, screen flicker and image ghosting happen even in UEFI or when starting surface from USB live

    • Did the issue occur when the device is connected to an external display?

    Yes, the surface display still flicker. But not the external display. Note: taking a screenshot do not show any issue (either flicker, of course, and image ghosting).

    • Can you confirm if the latest Windows and Surface updates were installed on your device?

    Yes, they are.

    • What troubleshooting steps have you tried so far?

    Windows diagnose tools, windows update, windows help... starting with USB live, resetting Windows, and more.

    What an "out of warranty" abuse...

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-03-31T18:47:52+00:00

    My screen start to vibrate as soon as surface is started now. It quickly get worse in time and if using demanding software. When warming up (I don't even hot) some image ghosting appear...

    I tried the diagnostic tool without success; it doesn't find any issue. I tried starting the device using a USB live key (ubuntu). Some image ghosting from Windows desktop also appear on system selection screen at startup. The flicker still happen, indicating it is a hardware issue (as expected and discussed in all the threads)...

    Please Microsoft, do something! Or be sure that this will be the end of the Surface product line...

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  3. Anonymous
    2018-03-31T16:01:18+00:00

    I invite you to join the 2000+ in this website   https://flickergate.com/

    I hope someone will organize a legal class action ...

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  4. Anonymous
    2018-03-31T15:52:04+00:00

    I first noticed those black line at my last month of the warranty.

    The lines disappeared the next day so I did not play much attention about it.

    Then two months later the black lines come back with the flickering.

    Then I googled it and I found I am not the one having the problem ..

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