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
    2018-08-03T15:51:31+00:00

    "Bryan"s figure will not include mine. I got the flickering problem in December 2017. Before MS offered the replacement program, I have already read enough posts here. So I decided not worth my time and energy to get another problematic refurbished one.

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-08-03T15:42:29+00:00

    Exchanging does not resolve the problem. 

    The end result is the same: a refurbishing machine with  the same critical flaws.

    I WANT MONEY BACK.

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  3. Anonymous
    2018-08-03T15:38:34+00:00

    Bryan,

    I would love to see the figures on how many SP4 devices are suffering from screen flickering.  I find it hard to believe that it is a small percentage.   I am on my THIRD SP4 and as of last night my current one is starting to shake.  Three Surface PRO 4 devices in a row.  I spent over $2500 to upgrade from a SP3 (which works just fine) to a SP4 mostly because I was so happy with the SP3 I wanted the greater HDD capacity of the SP4.   In my personal experience, the replacement program is a disappointing failure, since it is obvious that the root cause has not been discovered and remedied by Microsoft engineers.  So now it looks like I will probably have to once again, wipe this device and take it to the Microsoft Store and be told that I will have to wait for a FOURTH replacement.  Which will probably be another refurbished device and I will end up working on borrowed time again.  So since I will have to accomplish a couple of jobs out of the country while I wait, I will dust off my SP3 and grab my external hard drives and continue to work.    I am a professional presenter that travels internationally the majority of the year.  It is required for my device to be on for long periods of time.  The SP3 had no problem meeting the demands of my profession, the SP4 however is failing horribly.

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  4. Anonymous
    2018-08-03T15:32:00+00:00

    Good morning Bryan,

    Unfortunately, I am starting to experience the screen hazing (flickering) problem with my Surface Pro 4.  Can you provide some assistance/direction as to the latest solutions to the problem.

    Thanks,

    Cam

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