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
    2018-06-01T19:10:23+00:00

    Hi Louise.  Same thing that happens to me last February.  After 2 years, flickering.  At home I use my surface every day but with a docking station and a screen.  In a trip, I used every day for long hours.  I experienced this problem in 2 different countries.  I tried what is suggested by Microsoft but nothing resolve the issue.  My only solution was to let the surface getting cold and work less hours.  Back to Canada, no more problems.  I'm trying to use my surface without the station and screen, it seems to be correct now.  Maybe a windows update corrected the issue?  Who knows!    I'm curious to see if it will happen again, I'm going to travel for the next 3 weeks with many hours working every day.  If it happens again, I will send the surface to microsoft, hoping it will be corrected.  I read lots of messages in this community and some have experienced sending back the surface and having the same problems.  I hope that microsoft solutions will resolve your problem.

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  2. Barb Bowman 80,810 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2018-06-01T15:50:30+00:00

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  3. Anonymous
    2018-06-01T15:30:58+00:00

    I bought my Surface4 a year and a half ago, and only use it for travel. It has been fine, but today the flickering started. I will be traveling for a while - what is the process by which I get it fixed?

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  4. Anonymous
    2018-05-26T17:20:07+00:00

    Hi, if i have already obtained a replacement refurbished SP4, does it means that i have only 3 months of warranty for that replacement instead of 3 years? for screen flickering issues

    I've sent mine off for repair, i got them to confirm both over the phone and in writing that if the screen fails again out of warranty it will be again replaced for free.

    in writing being with the support chat? Support will tell you anything to pacify you btw...the same way they were telling users to wait for a software/firmware fix to the screen flickering.

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