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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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]

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  1. Anonymous
    2018-04-17T13:14:22+00:00

    Same problem here, OMG

    I want my money back, i don t want a new surface...

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-04-16T01:33:39+00:00

    Right way, only affecting their sales turnover then MS will recognise this problem.

    I have just in time to stop a procurement decision from a company of several units of Surface after sharing this issue during our drinking meetup. I emphasised that not only the technical problem we are facing, there are non after sales service MS also doesn't respond to the problem. I have even courage them to help spread the words. 

    I guess MS will soon take down the MS Community to stop the spread. But, I have already keep many snapshot of those complaint ready to share.

    The slower MS respond, the deeper the damage to their reputation will be done. 

    I have promised myself not to buy a single piece of hardware from MS ever. 

    record on forum.flickergate.com

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  3. Anonymous
    2018-04-15T22:39:07+00:00

    Right way, only affecting their sales turnover then MS will recognise this problem.

    I have just in time to stop a procurement decision from a company of several units of Surface after sharing this issue during our drinking meetup. I emphasised that not only the technical problem we are facing, there are non after sales service MS also doesn't respond to the problem. I have even courage them to help spread the words. 

    I guess MS will soon take down the MS Community to stop the spread. But, I have already keep many snapshot of those complaint ready to share.

    The slower MS respond, the deeper the damage to their reputation will be done. 

    I have promised myself not to buy a single piece of hardware from MS ever.

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  4. Anonymous
    2018-04-15T18:01:21+00:00

    My problem with the screen flickering started a few months ago, at the beginning of 2018. I own a SP4/16GB (bought used). I tried to get some support but the unit was just out of warranty, so nobody from Microsoft cared about offering anything, not even a botchat, to keep me busy.

    I think Microsoft is just used to such situations: remember Windows 95, Windows Millenium...crap-software & similar support at that point in time.

    Since I got the screen flickering issue, I spread this information in all directions, not recommending MS hardware.

    This is unacceptable! ... at least MS could apologize to it's enthusiastic customer base. But the arrogance seems to be at home.

    Microsoft is accountable for this!

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