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
    2018-07-08T19:13:31+00:00

    My Surface is 4 years old, and is having this issue. Is there any recourse for me?

    Thank you.

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-07-07T17:59:17+00:00

    I share your traumatic experiences.... SFP4 is about as bad as it gets. 

    And the worst part- against premium pricing. 

    Be warned.

    I purchased the most expensive version of the Surface Pro 4.

    Screen flickering was ironaically present since day 4.

    None of the fixes work for me.

    After lengthy support requests, sent the Surface back to Microsoft whom told me that there were scratches on the back and thus could not fix the screen. I had to study hard to find a scratch, but yes, was able to locate some super thin scratches.

    p.s. now, over 2 years later, laptop still looks great from the outside.... the scratches haven't gotten much worse.... to my defense.

    In short, support is non existent for a Surface, unless you sign up for extra, surpaid warranty or so I guess.

    Note: return of surface takes between 5 and 8 days. Be aware, you'll need a back-up device if you actually need to do work....

    Attached screenshot (with solution 1, task manager open)

    The only reason I can work with Surface Pro 4 is because I managed to connect to 2nd screen.

    Most expensive and simultaneously worst laptop experience ever.

    Same here.

    I7 ...

    Same issue/recurring 

    2 monitors and a a4 sheet covering the flickering sh()t...

    I want money back ....

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  3. Anonymous
    2018-07-07T17:29:58+00:00

    I share your traumatic experiences.... SFP4 is about as bad as it gets. 

    And the worst part- against premium pricing. 

    Be warned.

    I purchased the most expensive version of the Surface Pro 4.

    Screen flickering was ironaically present since day 4.

    None of the fixes work for me.

    After lengthy support requests, sent the Surface back to Microsoft whom told me that there were scratches on the back and thus could not fix the screen. I had to study hard to find a scratch, but yes, was able to locate some super thin scratches.

    p.s. now, over 2 years later, laptop still looks great from the outside.... the scratches haven't gotten much worse.... to my defense.

    In short, support is non existent for a Surface, unless you sign up for extra, surpaid warranty or so I guess.

    Note: return of surface takes between 5 and 8 days. Be aware, you'll need a back-up device if you actually need to do work....

    Attached screenshot (with solution 1, task manager open)

    The only reason I can work with Surface Pro 4 is because I managed to connect to 2nd screen.

    Most expensive and simultaneously worst laptop experience ever.

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  4. Anonymous
    2018-07-05T19:49:50+00:00

    Yes that could be very frustrating. I totally agree and am on my first exchange and if I had to do it 4 times I would definitely try and get a refund and move to a different platform from the tablet. I do really like this form for use, but if there are design flaws with tablets that is something that I hope gets fixed.

    If I continue to have problems with the computer I may update my post again, but while it may be underlying problem with Microsoft tablets I was pleased with the person working on my case getting me a return and new device. That can be very different from person to person and who is helping you on the Microsoft side of things. I have had my share of bad help, but this time I got a good person to help me and was happy with how it was handled given the circumstances. I too hatted having to uninstall all my items and get a new computer up and running, hours and hours of customization to get workflow working how you like is difficult to get around and a pain to have to do over and over.

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