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
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

2,779 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2019-10-17T02:12:28+00:00

    Were you able to fix this problem? I've got a Surface doing this like crazy. All updates done, but gets worse, then better, worse, then better all day. Drives me crazy. I'm looking for a fix. Thanks. Jay

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2019-10-15T12:42:03+00:00

    I agree with the observation that Microsoft should have made an announcement about this flaw so customers would have had sufficient time to respond to the recall offer before the expiration date. The "flicker-gate" issue was discovered while my Surface Pro 4 was still within the 3 year recall window, but I did not learn about it until after the 3 year recall window had expired.

    My Surface Pro was an expensive gift to me from a family member. Simply buying another one is an expensive proposition -- not to mention a hassle since most of the files and apps would have to re-installed on any new device.

    My screen is flickering and shaking right now, as I type this. I'm a heavy user of PCs and have been since the early 1980s. I may have to bite the bullet and buy another notebook PC. However, I'm reluctant to buy another Microsoft PC, even if the current models have the old bugs, like screen flicker, repaired. How do I know another bug will be discovered that Microsoft will keep a secret until my warranty expires?!?!  This is unacceptable!

    (My example - very hard to follow with my eyes, and it gets even more flickery and annoying as my session continues:)

    (Example found on the web - impossible to read:)

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2019-10-15T03:52:35+00:00

    I can only assume that since it's been so many hundreds of complaints in this thread without any response from Microsoft on an actual Microsoft message board, that Microsoft doesn't care about customer service, quality, or repeat business, so I guess I'll go elsewhere for a replacement for my POS surface. Admitting that there is a manufacturing defect and then having a cut off for a recall- without sending out a message to any who might be affected- is absolutely the end for me.

    There will be a zero chance that I'll ever buy a Microsoft product again. Great business practices.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2019-10-14T18:26:35+00:00

    Hello Brian my son has a Sp4 That is flickering for about 1 week (I have videos) 

    We bought the computer on 18.09.2016 just pass 3 years now but we consider you could address this case being that a product fault 

    Can you please tell us what to do? He is studying in Milan and is totally dependent on this machine 

    A few weeks ago I bought a surface 6 (more recent) for my other son

    I appreciate you consider a replacement 

    Regards

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments