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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
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]

Was this answer helpful?

100+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

2,779 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2020-07-15T03:07:10+00:00

    I'm sorry but a device that is over the 3 years should not have to spend $1000 Cdn for a replacement device.  Who the hell has $1000 just sitting around during a pandemic?  WE NEED THESE DEVICES TO WORK FROM HOME!!   

    I am just absolutely sickened that Microsoft is not fixing these devices.  This just started 2 days ago and now unusable.  The solution is to now go buy a monitor?   Really?  

    Hi Meluvsql, I understand your feeling.  For me, I have time on my hand and when the COVID 19 situation improves, I am going to make Microsoft pays back for their impotence by pursuing my case in a government-subsided claim tribunal, generating negative publicity on Microsoft etc.  My advice to you, as a user, is to buy a monitor so that you can at lease continue to use your Surface.  Low-end monitors are very cheap, mine 19-inches with 1920X1080 is only less than USD50.-   Damage control!!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2020-07-13T00:34:44+00:00

    I'm sorry but a device that is over the 3 years should not have to spend $1000 Cdn for a replacement device.  Who the hell has $1000 just sitting around during a pandemic?  WE NEED THESE DEVICES TO WORK FROM HOME!!   

    I am just absolutely sickened that Microsoft is not fixing these devices.  This just started 2 days ago and now unusable.  The solution is to now go buy a monitor?   Really?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2020-07-10T15:52:23+00:00

    With mine also out of warranty since a year ago, Microsoft’s solution is giving me a quote of S$855 (Singapore dollars) to get the screen fixed! The other option they gave is a credit of S$250 but it can only be used to offset against the purchase of a new Surface Pro 7 and nothing else. Why would anyone ever want to go anywhere near a Surface laptop?

    Anyway, someone did an investigation and posted his findings which was verified by a repair centre I sent my Surface Pro 4 for fix. The problem is confined to devices equipped with screens made by Samsung. Those equipped with the LG ones are fine. The problem is caused by heat and after some time (say years), the connection loses contact and causes the problem. Microsoft is aware and are just cowardly hiding behind the expiration of the 3 yrs warranty

    period.

    Anyway, the repair centre here were aware of this problem. They replaced the screen of the Surface Pro 4 with the type used for the Surface Pro 5. It has been a week and I worked the laptop hard. The good news is it is fine. No flickering screen or screen freezing up. It cost me S$290 for the fix. How’s that versus the ridiclous sum quoted by Microsoft.

    At this rate, my prediction is Microsoft’s PC business will take the route IBM did! It is just a matter of time before they flog the business to someone else. They are no match, dollar for dollar when compared with the other brands, e.g. Asus, Acer, Lenovo, Dell, etc.

    Shame on you, Microsoft.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2020-07-10T15:07:05+00:00

    I have the same issue started a few months ago. I could control it with come pressing and blowing into the vents. I started investigating and started making enquiries during the lockdown in South Africa. I was told they regret but they could not process my request because of lockdown (in may).

    I have been working from home and have connected external screens so, I could cope, but I can't use it for it main purpose which is mobility. The display becomes horrendous.

    I tried to call today, now my "warranty" 3 years ended on 05 June. This was not cheap, so to say I'm disappointed is an understatment. I dont have $1000 plus laying around to renew it. Microsoft you have as much as admitted this is a latent defect, do the right thing!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments