Surface Pro 7 flickers with every external monitor

I've got similar problems, and I am now on my 2nd Pro 7 i7 in 6 months.

With the first one the problems got so bad I went to a Microsoft store, explained the issue(s) and showed lots of video and got a new one after they determined that it's a HW problem.

The new one was (kind of) doing fine in the beginning, but the problem is back and appears both with USB-C and the dock which I prefer to use. I was hoping to have 2 external monitors but that even intensified the problem.

I only use DisplayPort connections, the cables are brand new and came with the Monitors. The 4k monitor (my preferred one) is LG Ultra HD.

As this problem starts to impact my productivity more and more, I wonder if I should return the Pro 7 and use a different brand. It's too bad as I used a Pro4 for 3 years before and that was the best computer I ever had.

Please help

Theo Gees

I've got similar problems, and I am now on my 2nd Pro 7 i7 in 6 months.

With the first one the problems got so bad I went to a Microsoft store, explained the issue(s) and showed lots of video and got a new one after they determined that it's a HW problem.

The new one was (kind of) doing fine in the beginning, but the problem is back and appears both with USB-C and the dock which I prefer to use. I was hoping to have 2 external monitors but that even intensified the problem.

I only use DisplayPort connections, the cables are brand new and came with the Monitors. The 4k monitor (my preferred one) is LG Ultra HD.

As this problem starts to impact my productivity more and more, I wonder if I should return the Pro 7 and use a different brand. It's too bad as I used a Pro4 for 3 years before and that was the best computer I ever had.

Please help

Theo Gees

Hi Theo.  So...my recent experience is that I have tried about all the things I can think of.  The only thing left is to update or replace the video driver.  I am going to get my techo guys do that once I am out of lockdown.

Having said that...this is what I find.  If the 2nd screen starts flickering, going fuzzy or similar, I turn it off wait about 20 seconds and turn it back on.  I have to do this maybe 3 or 4 times.  Sometimes I have to leave it off for a while (say and hour).  Sometimes to reboot the laptop.  I have not found a pattern but then, just as 'randomly', the 2nd screen starts working and will stay working for a couple of days.  When this happens I dont turn anything off, I just let the screen saver do its thing and allow the 2nd monitor to sleep.

I am using the docketing station.  I have tried the USBC connector but without any improvement.  

Like you, I really like the surface but Microsoft really have dropped the ball on this issue.

David

Hi David, thanks for your response.

So when I returned my first Pro7 (same config) the folks at the Microsoft-Store told me that there was some HW problems, along the lines of cramping a lot of high end stuff into tight spaces thus causing issues. One of the issues I experienced was that I couldn't adjust screen brightness anymore - which is resolved with the new one. So I think my drivers are all up-to-date and Windows 10 overall does a pretty good job in keeping things current...so why it is maybe (maybe!) a SW issue, I wonder if this is really HW, and the results just vary from system to system. It also can't be a dock issue, as the same problem occurs using USB-C....so there might be some interference and turning things on and off (or unplugging cables etc.) seems to have an impact...which doesn't point to a SW problem...

So I don't know. Once places open up again I might visit the store (again) and maybe do another switch...but maybe to a different brand...

Theo

Hi,

My second monitor is still working well, but ONLY with a Moshi 4K/60 usb-c to hdmi adapter.

I wish somebody at MS could tell me why only the Moshi adapter works.

Even the MS usbc-c to hdmi adapter does not work.

Thanks for posting. I am awaiting a warranty replacement for SP7 after several calls to MS tech support they offered no solution other than to replace. I, like all of you have had issues with any and every external monitor configuration. From surface dock to usbc. Passive cables to active cables. I even switched/bought new HP monitor. I have not tried the moshi adapter. Amazon might disown me if i buy another cable or adapter and return a day later.

Is Microsoft really going to not fix this issue and lose all loyal former happy SP4 users that need extetnal monitor?

Time will tell. 

Questions, 1. has anyone had success by having SP7 plugged into different outlet than monitor? The flickering to me sometimes seems like a short or  voltagecontrol issue. 2. Does surface pro x or surface laptop have same issue?

Thanks all for sharing your psin and aggravation.