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 No 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 No comments

2,779 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
  1. Anonymous
    2018-04-10T04:23:31+00:00

    I think Microsoft is wishing us to bury our heads in the sand and let the tide wash us away.

    It is a shame that so far still not viable solutions.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  2. Anonymous
    2018-04-06T11:48:24+00:00

    Frankly, I will not spend another cent on Surface or Microsoft hardware.

    This incident taught me something. I won't spend another few thousand for such a piece of ****. Worst , there isn't response from the Microsoft despite so many complaint. I think the CEO has already chicken out on this problem.

    I would rather choose to buy other model machine at a lower price. Even if I need to upgrade to a latest model I still stay within the few thousand spend on Microsoft.

    I just bought a HP Envy 13", which is working super good with a latest Intel 8th gen processor with upgraded on board clips set and memory. Cost me around US 1200. That mean I can buy another 2 more if I need to upgrade to a latest model next time. If each machine last me for 3 years, that few thousand dollar will last me for 9 years with a latest machine every 3 years.

    Best of all, the old machine still can get some money back if I sell it for 2nd hand. But, this Surface thingy can't fetch a single cent now with such problem.

    Guy, think twice before committing to another Microsoft hardware, they are not up to mark yet both for hardware and after sales service. To me they are like those makeshift backyard guy that fly-by-night.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  3. Anonymous
    2018-04-06T10:03:43+00:00

    Yeah, I understand. I am having the same problem here 'cos I was planning to get the Surface Book 2. The flickering of my Surface pro 4 and the similar issues of the other users from all around the world totally destroyed the confidence that I had in Microsoft hardware. I owned Surface pro 1 & 3 before but to buy Surface book 2 and then dread to have the same issues like now is just too much for my budget/nerves/sanity ... etc. :)

    I will never go for Apple so maybe I'll try my luck with Dell. They seem to treat their customers better.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  4. Anonymous
    2018-04-06T09:24:53+00:00

    Yeah, you could well be correct. I'm not sure what is a good device to replace my SP4 with flickergate with then.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments