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
    2020-03-13T10:36:44+00:00

    You are joking Bryan.

    Tried these. My devices are all updated none of those apps running my screen is flicking to the point that I can barely read it. This is not in my view acceptable under Australian Consumer Law. A product (whether warranty or not) is expected to be able to perform the level of functionality that a reasonable person would expect from it. This is not the cse with My Pro 4.

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-03-10T10:21:30+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]

    Hi Bryan,

    I am very disappointed as I bought two surface pro 4 in the same year and both have the same screen flicker problems. Luckily the problem appeared within 3-year period for my second surface pro 4 and I can have the replacement. 

    For the first one, I found the Surface Pro 4 screen flicker problem after 3 years of the date of purchase. As you said, it cannot be addressed with a firmware or driver update. I started a service order to Microsoft, and hope to have a replacement for the device. However, it costed over USD $600 to replace another surface pro 4. It is very ridiculous! And the price of surface pro 7 is starting from USD$749 (mentioned in microsoft website).

    I think the hardware problem is not caused by customers during the normal using the surface. Instead, the problem has already existed during manufacturing process. How come I have the consequence of the manufacturer's fault?

    I hope that you can help and offer a better solution for this situation.

    I look forward to your reply. Thanks!

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-03-04T14:27:58+00:00

    This is a Microsoft problem, it has nothing to do with there customers, they must have know about this problem and kept selling defective items, customers, as far as I am concerned, should get a refund or be able to buy a newer model at reduced cost.

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  4. Anonymous
    2020-03-04T09:15:26+00:00

    Why it has to be 3 years, what is the difference between 3 years and 3 years+1 day. If it is a hardware issue, shouldn’t Microsoft take care of all users who are suffering the problem. Early users are paid premium price for the products

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