Share via

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
  1. 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]

    128 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments

2,779 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2021-05-06T08:28:07+00:00

    Undervolting using throttlestop seems to have fixed the issue for me!

    It was happening due to high temperatures of the PC for me and the undervolting helped the pc not get so hot and therefore fixed the screen issues. It’s been a few months now of working fine for hours and hours  

    I was only a few months over the 3 year extended warranty when Microsoft told me they wouldn’t help.

    There are good videos on YouTube on how to do it and what to avoid but I have found that a little undervolting caused no instability for me and fixed the screen 

    I think I’m on -90 volts or something like that. The program also allows you to monitor cpu temperature which helps understand the problem.

    Hope this helps others who were stuck with a £2000 useless device.

    Of course I am no specialist - just sharing what worked for me so I can’t talk about all the risks. Just check out YouTube and other articles for a full discussion. Let us know if this also works for you

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2021-05-06T10:39:43+00:00

    This problem has been around for years and I had to fight MS to get my SP4 replaced but why isn't MS promoting this solution when so many are struggling with the issue?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2021-05-06T11:40:05+00:00

    No idea - I’ve only just tried it and it works for me. It’s not a Microsoft program or recommended by manufacturers but it has worked so saved me a lot of headaches

    Maybe they don’t know about it?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2021-05-14T19:10:13+00:00

    Dear Microsoft Company.

    As you know the screen shaking is a manufacturing defect. In car companies when there is a manufacturing defect, they call back and repair millions of cars.

    The problem of screen shaking with your surface is a manufacturing defect. Your replacement should be for lifetime of your product. It is not fair to pay $800 for repair or a replacement.

     I really disappointed after 35 years as a loyal customer and buying around 100 of computers and laptop for myself, my children and recommend it to my friends.

    Thanks and so long.

    0 comments