Surface Pro 4, Screen Flickering, Shaking

Anonymous

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:

A video being played in browser
If I keep the touch screen busy by either taping it or keeping a finger on it
If I use the touchpad
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***

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.***

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Anonymous

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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2,779 additional answers

Anonymous

2020-06-29T16:34:07+00:00

Thanks, Marc. Overheating does seem to be the common thread and key issue here, where using a second screen does look like the sensible solution. Many thanks.
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Anonymous

2020-06-29T16:29:44+00:00

Thanks, Bryan. I did notice the back of the Surface Pro was hot on the last few occasions the ghosting occurred, so hearing your experience confirms for me that overheating is the real issue. It's been fine for normal usage a few hours only at a time and I'm now more aware of needing and ensuring good air circulation. Many thanks.
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Anonymous

2020-06-28T18:10:43+00:00

how do I fix the screen shaking problem on my surface pro4? my limited warranty expired. Does this mean I should throw it in the trash?
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Anonymous

2020-06-28T16:09:55+00:00

I purchased my Surface Pro in September 2016. I did not have the flicker issue until a few months ago. It was mild and now progressed to a bigger issue. After researching I learned this is a common problem and I am passed the 3 year exchange option. Is there any option for me getting a resolution?
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