Microsoft launched the Surface Pro 4 device a couple of years ago. Last year several reports claimed that some units have screen flickering issues. The screen flickering issue was expected to be a hardware related with temporary workarounds posted on Microsoft’s support forums.
Some reports claimed that the customers have been complaining about screen flickering issues for nearly a year.
Microsoft last week acknowledged that the screen flickering issue is indeed affecting some Surface Pro 4 devices. Microsoft has launched a new program which aims to replace the defective laptops purchased a couple of days ago.
With the replacement program, users affected with the flickering issue will be able to replace their devices with a refurbished device. Microsoft confirmed that the flickering issue cannot be resolved with a driver or firmware update and hence the company has asked the users to take the opportunity with the replacement program.
It is worth noting that only “a small percentage of Surface Pro 4 devices” are exhibiting this problem.
“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,” Microsoft said.
Microsoft has laid down some conditions for Surface Pro 4 owners to be eligible for the Replacement Program. The company also confirmed that both consumers and commercial customers are eligible for the Replacement Program albeit they need to fall in the below category.
- The Surface Pro 4 owners need to make sure that their devices are having the latest update running on their devices.
- The devices with the latest software installed should still be having the screen flickering issue.
- The devices should not have been repaired with components from third-party unauthorized sellers. The devices which were previously serviced by unauthorized sellers are also not eligible for the program.
Users falling under the above conditions will then need to contact the Microsoft Support Agent and request a refurbished Surface Pro 4 device which will be delivered within 5 to 8 business days after the existing device has been returned to the company.
