Fix Surface Pro Screen Flickering and Shaking

Is your Surface Pro displaying unwanted shimmers and flickers? Don't fret! This guide equips you with practical steps to troubleshoot and potentially resolve this issue.

Key Takeaways

• Understand that overheating, driver issues, hardware defects, and software conflicts can contribute to screen instability and flickering on your Surface Pro.
• Regularly check for Windows updates to ensure your operating system and drivers are up to date, as outdated software can cause display problems.
• Keep your display drivers updated by accessing the Device Manager, expanding "Display adapters," and selecting "Update driver" to search for the latest software.
• Use Task Manager to identify and end resource-hogging apps that may be causing screen flickering. Consider uninstalling recently installed apps if the issue persists.
• Fully power off your Surface Pro for an extended period, at least 48 hours, to address specific issues caused by prolonged usage or sleep mode.
• Experiment with display settings in the Windows Settings menu, including brightness, refresh rate, and disabling "Adaptive color," to mitigate screen flickering.
• If necessary, uninstall and reinstall the Surface panel driver and display adapters through Device Manager to troubleshoot persistent display problems.
• As a last resort, consider resetting your Surface Pro to factory settings using the guidelines provided by Microsoft, or schedule a repair appointment with iFixScreens if issues persist.

Triggers of Screen Instability and Flickering on a Surface Pro

Regardless of your Surface Pro model, this concern can significantly impede your work or entertainment activities. Identifying the causes behind screen shaking is crucial for finding practical solutions. Let's explore the primary factors:

• Overheating: Elevated temperatures can affect the display performance of your Surface Pro.
• Driver complications: Outdated or corrupted drivers may lead to screen flickering.
• Hardware defects or damage: Screen shaking can be caused by internal hardware issues, such as a malfunctioning graphics card or physical harm.
• Software clashes: Conflicts between applications or system updates can also result in screen flicker. 

Solutions To Fix Surface Pro Screen Shaking and Flickering

Windows Update: 

Outdated software can cause display problems. Head to the Start menu, select "Settings," then "Update & Security," and finally "Windows Update." Click "Check for updates" and install any available updates.

Driver Dilemmas: 

Update your display drivers. Open the Start menu, search "Device Manager," and expand "Display adapters." Right-click your graphics adapter, choose "Update driver," and select "Search automatically for updated driver software."

App Issues: 

Malfunctioning apps might be the culprit. Open "Task Manager" (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate resource-hogging apps and end their tasks. Consider uninstalling any recently installed apps that coincide with the flickering issue.

Power Down Your Device for an Extended Duration:

Prolonged usage, including periods in Sleep mode, can lead to specific issues. To address screen flickering and lines, fully power off your device. Merely closing the lid or using the power button to put it to sleep won't suffice.

Keep the device off for at least 48 hours (ideally longer for better results, such as over a weekend). To do so, go to Start > Power > Shut down. Once the issue is resolved, it's recommended to power off the device entirely (not just sleep mode) for at least one whole night each week to prevent recurrence."

Check Display Settings: 

Adjust display settings. In the Start menu, navigate to "Settings," then "System," and finally "Display." Play with brightness and refresh rate (if available), and try turning off "Adaptive color." Not all Surface devices support this option.

Navigate to Advanced display settings and attempt to adjust the refresh rate to 60 Hz, 120 Hz, or Dynamic. However, this feature may not be available on all Surface models.

Reinstall the Display Adapter and OEM Panel Driver:

Specific drivers can lead to display problems. To update these drivers, uninstall the current ones and search for updates.

• Navigate to Device Manager by selecting and holding (or right-clicking) Start.
• Expand the Monitor section, then select and hold (or right-click) the Surface panel driver(s) and choose Uninstall device. Follow the prompts to complete the process.
• Next, expand the Display adapters section, select and hold (or right-click) the listed adapter (Intel and NVIDIA graphics drivers), and choose Uninstall device. Confirm the action and restart your PC.
• Once your PC restarts, access Settings by selecting Start > Settings.
• In Settings, go to Windows Update > Check for updates and install any available updates.

Initiate Surface Reset:

If display issues persist, consider resetting your Surface. Follow the guidelines outlined in "Restore or reset Surface for Windows" or utilize a USB recovery drive to revert your device to factory settings and drivers.

If the problem persists even after resetting your Surface, it's advisable to proceed with submitting a service order with Microsoft. If you've tried these solutions and still need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out. Schedule a repair appointment at your nearest iFixScreens store, where our certified experts can take care of your Surface Pro Screen repair, often on the same day.

Final Thoughts

By following these steps, you should be well on your way to resolving the flickering woes plaguing your Surface Pro screen. Remember, consistent updates, proper care to avoid hardware damage, and seeking help when needed will ensure a smooth and uninterrupted visual experience on your device.

FAQ's

Q. How can I stop the screen flicker on my Surface Pro device?

A. To fix flickering on your Surface Pro, you can try updating the display driver. Go to Device Manager, locate the Display Adapters section, and right-click to update the driver. Make sure you have the latest driver installed from the Microsoft website.

Q. How do I fix Surface Pro screen shaking and flickering issues on my Surface Pro 4?

A. If you face screen shaking and flickering, specifically on your Surface Pro 4, check for any available system updates and ensure your device runs the latest software. Sometimes, a software update can resolve this problem.

Q. I've tried updating the drivers, but the screen flicker persists. What should I do next?

A. If updating the drivers did not fix the screen flickering, you can try restoring your Surface Pro to its factory settings. This can sometimes resolve persistent display issues.

Q. What are the common causes of Surface Pro screen shaking and flickering?