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
    2018-06-05T21:23:15+00:00

    Some updates for the screen issue of my Surface Pro 4 , 

    Microsoft is not honoring its recall program issued in May 2018,

    an EXTREMELY DISHONEST program.

    Case: 142-868-0904

    6/5/2018   3:13pm

    Model: Surface Pro 4 (Purchased on 12/29/2015, covered by recall program till 12/28/2018)

    Customer name: HsiL

    Representative representative name: Gen (male, not willing to reveal his last name)

    Supervisor name: Princess (female, not willing to reveal her last name, not sure if she gave the real name)

    WHAT HAPPENED:

    I called Microsoft customer service and told the technician that my Surface Pro 4 has the same issue as the Microsoft's recall on the flicking screen issue, in May 2018. One third of my screen is flicking with ghost image, getting worse month by month, and was not able to be used functionally as it was designed. According to the recall program, my SurfacePro4 is valid till 12/28/2018, 3 years from the purchase.

    RESULT:

    The technician guided me through some tests, and asked his supervisor if they can replace it.

    Very sadly, they were not willing to honor the Microsoft's recall announcement, and cannot replace it till whole screen flicks. I was very upset of course, just like many other customers, because how could anyone use the screen properly when only 2/3 is working?!

    Ridiculous! Obviously Microsoft's intention is to wait our flicking issue to go beyond the expiration date of their recall program, then they can deny the case again, which is 3 years from the purchase.

    To sum up, Microsoft designed an EXTREMELY DISHONEST recall program, to pretend it cares about customers, and ONLY after tons of angry customers joining the law firm to prepare class action against its unethical practice.  Even a dedicated complaint website was created by thousands of pissed off customers.

    In the bottom of this complaint, I include the link for you and whoever being treated unfairly to make Microsoft correct it’s dishonest recall program, and participate the class action together.


    SUPPORT RESOURCES:

    Recall Program: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4230448/surface-pro-4-screen-flicker

    Thousands of Angry Customers: https://flickergate.com/

    Class Action:  http://www.classlawdc.com/2018/02/06/microsoft-surface-pro-4-class-action-investigation/

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  2. Barb Bowman 80,810 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2018-06-05T15:40:55+00:00

    you should contact Microsoft and see what they can do for you.

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/13948/global-customer-service-phone-numbers

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  3. Anonymous
    2018-06-05T15:10:35+00:00

    I bought my Surface Pro4 2 years ago from China, can I do the replacement from another country?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  4. Anonymous
    2018-06-05T10:14:10+00:00

    Yes used chrom browser and then was able to see the content. Funny how Microsoft web page does not load in microsoft edge browser?

    I am located in Hawaii.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments