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. Barb Bowman 80,805 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2020-04-12T10:45:38+00:00

    I'm an unpaid volunteer and do not work for Microsoft. If you want background
    on what a Microsoft MVP is, see https://mvp.microsoft.com/en-us/Overview and for
    Volunteer Moderators see
    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/page/faq#faqWhosWho1
    If it were up to ME, I'd replace every single one of these, no matter how old,
    with a brand new Surface Pro 5 or 6.

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-04-12T10:44:00+00:00

    Hi Barb,

    How about us?? I brought it about 3.5 years... And why should we paid for your company fault? Do the right thing, as i can't see any point we need to pay for your fault at all. 

    I brought surface Pro 4 because i through Microsoft is really good and reliable. However it turn out ... The most expensive tab doesn't even last. You can't tell me it will only last for 3 years??

    Crazy... As my mini ipad last way long then 8 years now.. and still going strong. 

    Please reply me...

    As i am so sick of you never reply my msg.

    Karen

    Agree with you karen. My sp4 start flickering from way back long ago. After years of frustrating with flickering with no solution eventually it become worse because already dead..(cannot turn on). I am not eligible for the free replacement due to more than 3 years. Even more worse the unit now become brick. Should i ever eligible for the free replacement, heard that the replacement also inherit the same flickering problem. So.. what is the point of getting the same fault with another unit.. Surely this is a product failure but microsoft refuse to admit.. Seriously microsoft.. You want customer to pay for your fault?Why should we pay? You have taken a lot from us after we buy it and now you don't want to be responsible??

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-04-12T10:19:41+00:00

    Hi Karen,

    I absolutely feel you and I'm having the exact same issue as you right now. I too bought my SP4 3.5 years ago and only found out about the issue when I started using my SP4 due to the coronavirus stay home notice and have to work from home. I called support for help and they told me that I have to pay $800 for a refurbished SP5 if I want to which I feel is absolutely disappointing for a reputable company to ask their customer to pay for something that's caused by manufacturing fault. What do you intend to do? Are you going to join the rest to launch a class action lawsuit against MS?

    Regards,

    S

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  4. Anonymous
    2020-04-12T10:08:43+00:00

    Hi Barb,

    How about us?? I brought it about 3.5 years... And why should we paid for your company fault? Do the right thing, as i can't see any point we need to pay for your fault at all. 

    I brought surface Pro 4 because i through Microsoft is really good and reliable. However it turn out ... The most expensive tab doesn't even last. You can't tell me it will only last for 3 years??

    Crazy... As my mini ipad last way long then 8 years now.. and still going strong. 

    Please reply me...

    As i am so sick of you never reply my msg.

    Karen

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