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.

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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
    2018-04-04T15:13:22+00:00

    Hi im using insider version 17133.1 (rs4 release) ive also dissabled hyper v threading in config. As well as system display auto brightness off. This has worked for me so far.

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-04-04T14:52:22+00:00

    I am also on build 17133. actually being on the fast ring for ages and I noticed the flickering started right after installing one of the builds a couple of weeks back (after constant stress updating build after build I guess it finally gave in and the ugly flaw showed it's ugly face).

    If I do light usage, I can stay 4 or 5 hours before any flickering starts at the bottom, however eventually it will start. Even a 30 min Skype for Business call heats it up enough to start the flickering..

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  3. Anonymous
    2018-04-04T14:43:23+00:00

    I feel your pain as am myself out of warranty. I am currently using win10 insiders version which is more stable and lighter than standard win10. This is fine for me. Please give a try and respond. I also turned off screen update in settings

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  4. Anonymous
    2018-04-04T14:36:51+00:00

    I am in a dilemma.

    I have a flickering screen which at the moment I can circumvent by removing my protective case and under clock the CPU. worse case is I use an external monitor or change the screen ,yself.

    I can exchange for a refurbished one with 90 days warranty. given how unreliable the machine is, it can potentially die on after 90 days.

    If it were another I would opt for the change in a heart beat, but this is ****.

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