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
    2017-05-17T20:31:24+00:00

    HI Joseph, 

    • Just to verify, can everyone confirm if all have installed the Creators Update?

    Yes, it is installed. Latest Windows Updates as well.

    • When you turn on the Surface, did you notice if the Surface logo flickers/shakes as well?

    Yes, but only if the device has already started exhibiting the issue.

    It does not happen from a cold boot.

    • Does it occurs immediately after you logged in to Windows, or when working on a certain task? If so, how long does flickering/shaking last?

    Usually, it happens after 3 or 4 hours from cold boot, and it does entirely day until I turn it off.

    • Does your device connect to your external monitor/s via Surface docking station when this occurs?

    Never try.

    • Are you using a splitter/adapter to connect directly to an external monitor without the docking station?

    No/Never try.

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-05-17T17:49:49+00:00

    Just to verify, can everyone confirm if all have installed the Creators Update?

    Yes, it is installed. Latest Windows Updates as well.

    • When you turn on the Surface, did you notice if the Surface logo flickers/shakes as well?

    Yes, but only if the device has already started exhibiting the issue. It typically does not happen from a cold boot

    • Does it occurs immediately after you logged in to Windows, or when working on a certain task? If so, how long does flickering/shaking last?

    Sometimes it takes hours sometimes minutes. Sometimes watching a movie, playing a game or even if the Surface is idle. It will continues for the rest of my working day until I shut it down for a few hours. I noticed the shaking is less severe with less brightness and uninstalling some drivers (don't know what exactly) stopd it temporarily for seconds then it comes back.

    • Does your device connect to your external monitor/s via Surface docking station when this occurs?

    Don't use externals.

    • Are you using a splitter/adapter to connect directly to an external monitor without the docking station?

    Doesn't apply.

    Hope we find a solution soon.

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-05-17T11:07:52+00:00

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-05-17T10:43:57+00:00

    Hi!

    I have the creators update

    The logo doesn't flick from a cold boot.  It flicks after you restart it when the flicking has started 

    It's definitely temperature related. It starts when you are running heavy cpu tasks and the temperature increases. when I realized this, I put the surface near the AC and the flickering stops.

    The flickering gets worse over time. It seems some component inside the surface is failing.

    I don't use an external monitor, don't have the dock either.

    I really hope we get an answer from Microsoft. At least to me, this is a serious investment. I do everything on this device, it's the only one I have.

    Besides this and the Intel bugs in the beginning, it's been a great device.

    Regards from Bolivia

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