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
    2020-07-01T03:25:54+00:00

    I have a different version of the same screen flicking story (i.e. only aware of the replacement program after the 3-year period) but the major difference was that I contacted Microsoft Service Supports three times during that 3-year period for exactly the screen flicking issue, without knowing the availability of the option of free replacement at that time.  They just advised me the steps of downloading the Image to reset the Surface Pro 4 to its factory state.  They also had remarked that failing the factory reset the flicking problem persisted, the only conclusion should be my Pro 4 encountered virus and Microsoft could only repair for a fee of USD380+

     I had written to Microsoft recently on my issue and provided the two related service orders with numbers and dates (in the first half of 2016 and late 2018 respectively).  If Microsoft could have retrieved the service orders in question and reviewed the contents of the service requests, they would establish that they were of the screen monitor issue.  But the response from Microsoft was they do not keep “old” service order records!

    What do you think about Microsoft handling of the above situation?  Normal for-profit business mentality? Business misconduct? Downright cheating!?

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-06-29T23:07:47+00:00

    If you use a extra monitor, there is no problem, but I bought a SF 4 not for use with extra monitor

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-06-29T22:39:42+00:00

    Short of a Class Action for the very few SP owners (about 3/4 of all SP’s)

    i have resorted to using it as a pc in the office.... connected to an external monitor.

    We all make mistakes in business..... how our businesses respond to the mistake is what cements the reputation.

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  4. Anonymous
    2020-06-29T16:43:15+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.

    Sorry I dont Thing So.

    My computer shaking all the times....hot or cold, there is no logical explication on that   problem

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