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
    2018-07-23T17:13:30+00:00

    So finally ... Microsoft is sending us back surface PRO that had the same problem!  It's a real exchange program.  Exchanging the problems!  Very good for their reputation....

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-07-23T17:11:23+00:00

    I had the same problem, Microsoft changed the surface pro for me, but after 6 month the screen start flickering, I think they did not gave me the new surface,may be it is repaired of another surface pro4.

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  3. Anonymous
    2018-07-23T16:52:31+00:00

    If Microsoft would be correct, they would give us a NEW surface (not a refurbished) or any other product (another surface pro next generation) that they have that won't have this $/%?"$/!# flickering problem!

    I had this flickering issue last March.  Then it stops ... and now it's back with the menu bar flickering.  I'm scared that it will be all the screen like it happens last March 2018.  And their solution of a refurbished one, with many peoples telling that the problem came back again.  So much time consuming to reinstall everything without knowing it will come back.  My surface is now 2 years and a half.  I will wait a few months before the guarantee finish and I will send to get a new one ... it will be a second computer because I have the docking station and all the accessories.  But I won't travel any more with my "&!?$%?$ surface because after a few hours, flickers.   I will buy a new one for travelling and I can assure you ... it won't be a surface, neither a Microsoft product.

    MICROSOFT .... hear what your clients are saying.  Gives us back our money if you can't correct the problem.

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  4. Anonymous
    2018-07-23T16:48:11+00:00

    Wow!  I agree with you so much.  I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER MICROSOFT PRODUCT!  and I'm telling everyone not to do.  If Microsoft would be correct, they would give us a NEW surface or any other product that they have that won't have this $/%?"$/!# flickering problem!

    I had this flickering issue last March.  Then it stops ... and now it's back with the menu bar flickering.  I'm scared that it will be all the screen like it happens last March 2018.  And their solution of a refurbished one, with many peoples telling that the problem came back again.  So much time consuming to reinstall everything without knowing it will come back.  My surface is now 2 years and half.  I will wait a few months before the guarantee finish and I will send to get a new one ... it will be a second computer because I will buy a new one and I can assure you ... it won't be a surface, neither a microsoft product.

    MICROSOFT .... hear what your clients are saying.  Gives us back our money if you can't correct the problem.

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