The Microsoft Surface Pro 4, released in 2015, was a significant leap in the Surface lineup. It introduced a larger screen, better performance, and a refined design. However, despite its strengths, the Surface Pro 4 gained attention for a series of hardware and software issues that frustrated many users. This post covers the most common problems users have experienced, their likely causes, and proven solutions found online.
1. Flickering Screen Issue (The “Flickergate”)
One of the most well-known Surface Pro 4 issues is the screen flickering problem, often referred to as Flickergate.
Cause:
The issue was generally caused by thermal problems. As the device heats up, the screen begins to flicker, making it almost unusable for extended periods. Some speculate it was due to faulty internal components or design flaws related to heat dissipation.
Best Fix:
- Unofficial workaround: Place the Surface in the freezer for a few minutes. While this temporarily stops the flicker, it’s not a practical or long-term solution.
- Permanent solution: Microsoft acknowledged the issue and offered a replacement program for affected devices. If you’re still within the warranty period or have an extended service plan, contact Microsoft Support.
- DIY repair: For out-of-warranty devices, some users opted to replace the screen or motherboard, but this requires technical skill and is not guaranteed to work.
More info: https://flickergate.com
2. Type Cover Connectivity Issues
Some users reported that the Type Cover keyboard would disconnect randomly or stop working altogether.
Cause:
This was often due to driver conflicts or a dirty connection port between the tablet and keyboard.
Best Fix:
- Clean the keyboard connector with compressed air or isopropyl alcohol.
- Go to Device Manager > Keyboards, uninstall the Type Cover drivers, then restart your Surface to reinstall them.
- Ensure Windows is fully updated with the latest firmware and drivers from Microsoft.
3. Sleep Mode and Battery Drain
The Surface Pro 4 sometimes continues to drain battery rapidly while in sleep mode, defeating its portability advantage.
Cause:
This is typically a software or driver issue, especially related to connected standby or Windows power management settings.
Best Fix:
- Open Device Manager, expand “Network adapters”, and disable “Allow this device to wake the computer”.
- Use Windows Powercfg tool to disable connected standby:
powercfg /h off - Install all firmware updates and consider upgrading to Windows 10 version 1909 or higher, which improves power management on Surface devices.
4. Pen Input Lag or Malfunction
Users have reported issues with the Surface Pen not responding correctly or experiencing lag when writing.
Cause:
Usually related to outdated drivers, Bluetooth pairing issues, or firmware bugs.
Best Fix:
- Update the Surface Pen firmware via Windows Update.
- Re-pair the pen by removing it from Bluetooth settings and connecting it again.
- Replace the pen battery (AAAA) if it’s old.
- For lag, adjust pen settings in the Surface App, and disable Windows Ink when not needed.
5. Overheating and Fan Noise
Surface Pro 4 devices can run hot under load, sometimes triggering loud fan noise or causing the device to throttle performance.
Cause:
This is due to a combination of passive cooling limitations and Intel Core i-series CPU thermal behavior.
Best Fix:
- Use the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit from Microsoft to check for software updates and hardware health.
- Keep your device clean and dust-free, especially around the vents.
- Use tools like ThrottleStop (advanced users only) to limit turbo boost and reduce heat output.
- Consider placing the device on a cooling pad or stand to aid airflow.
Final Thoughts
The Surface Pro 4 was an ambitious device with solid performance and portability, but it suffered from a variety of hardware and software hiccups. While some issues have software-based solutions, others—like the flickering screen—require more serious repairs or even device replacement. If you still own a Surface Pro 4, keeping it updated and maintaining good usage habits can help extend its life and minimize these problems.