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
    2020-03-22T02:06:30+00:00

    I am having the same problem. The flickering of my screen started today and I've loved my Surface Pro 4 up until now. The screen is either glitchy or at a standstill blur (like having an astigmatism).  I've tried everything I've read up on with having the latest firmware and updates and still no resolution. I even reset my whole computer. I think it's a hardware issue. I bought mine back in 2016 and have had no problems until now. Although it's already a few years old, I've taken great care of it and this shouldn't be happening. I'm really upset as I'm a student who needs my computer and can't afford another one. Spending over a couple grand on this should have taken me through at least 5 years.

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-03-20T17:51:00+00:00

    I also having this screen flickr issue.  denied replacement since it is 3 year 1 month. Microsoft support is asking for $590 to get the device replaced with no fault for owners but device manufacturing issue which they have recognized and still asking for users to pay for replacement . Paid premium (Nearly $2000 with all accessories)when purchased  SP4 with 16GB ram and 512 GB harddrive, and now its useless.And this is not the first time. Earlier also i had seen hardware issue with surface accessories and had to purchase again.

    i believe they don't built products that last .Have lost faith in Microsoft hardware products.

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-03-17T02:34:34+00:00

    Mine start flickering just after the warranty expire. Not long after that, the unit died without any reason before microsoft even respond to this issue. Totally blank and cannot power on. What a rubbish product by them. Now i am stuck with brick stone from irresponsible microsoft. Wasted my good earn money on microsoft.

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  4. Anonymous
    2020-03-17T00:16:15+00:00

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4230448/surface-pro-4-screen-flicker -

    they are replacing free of charge if you qualify and are within 3 years of

    original purchase.

    Could anyone still be within 3 years of purchase? One of my students now on forced remote learning had this just happen to their device. It was purchased in summer of 2015 so well beyond the 3 years. Now I have to find a replacement and get it to him. Oh well, I guess I should be glad I got almost 5 years out of it. The Surface Pro 4 was really plagued by issues. Not nearly so many in my other hundreds of Pro 3. 5 and 6. Hopefully 7 that I am buying this summer doesn't have similar issues.

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