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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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
    2019-09-26T08:05:35+00:00

    It would be fair to see Microsoft issue a trade-in program specially for SP4. Is there anything we could do AS A COMMUNITY to make this happen? A petition? A lawsuit? Apparently our Flickergate forum is not making enough noise.

    I agree 100%. It's infuriating to see these comments ignored by Microsoft on their own website.

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  2. Anonymous
    2019-09-26T07:19:28+00:00

    It would be fair to see Microsoft issue a trade-in program specially for SP4. Is there anything we could do AS A COMMUNITY to make this happen? A petition? A lawsuit? Apparently our Flickergate forum is not making enough noise.

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  3. Anonymous
    2019-09-26T06:51:33+00:00

    While I believe Microsoft has taken some responsibility here, since I'm having the problem with my Surface Pro 4 and I'm out of eligibility for a replacement, I'm not exactly thrilled. It's the exact same problem that newer machines are impacted by, so it's not a matter of my Surface's age that has caused this. I'd like to be treated with the same respect a person who bought their machine a year later is receiving. 

    There have been minor issues with this Surface all along, solvable only when I googled a solution on my phone. Of all of the computers I've owned, this is the most needing of tweaking and workarounds. I'd like to have my machine replaced. It's only usable for an hour at a time, which makes my life as a writer a bit of a chore. 

    Please replace my Surface Pro. I love using it, and it seems the problems of the past (save this last one) are no longer impacting the pleasure of using them. I'd like to experience a trouble free Surface Pro. 

    Thank you,

    Tom Dougherty

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  4. Anonymous
    2019-09-26T05:19:19+00:00

    I am in complete agreement.  I am on my fourth refurbished SP4 and I need to send it back again for the same issue.  I wanted to trade it in for another MS product, but the trade in price for my completely loaded SP4 (with the 1TD HD) was so insulting that the MS tech I was working with was embarrassed.  The trade in program is a failure and it would be good to get an updated post from Microsoft.

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