Fixing display Flickering on Surface Pro 9: Ultimate Solutions

Fixing Display Flickering on Surface Pro 9: Ultimate Solutions

For users of the Microsoft Surface Pro 9, particularly those with the 5G model, display flickering has been a persistent and frustrating issue. Here are some comprehensive and specific solutions to help resolve this problem.

Firmware Updates

One of the most effective ways to address display flickering on the Surface Pro 9 5G is by installing the latest firmware updates. Microsoft has released a firmware update specifically for the Surface Pro 9 5G with ARM processors, which targets several critical issues including display flickering, video glitches, and unexpected crashes. This update is particularly important for users who experience flickering when their device is connected to the Surface Dock 2.

To update your firmware, navigate to the Settings app, go to Windows Update, and check for any available updates. This update includes several key driver updates, such as the Surface Dock 2 Firmware Update, Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 display adapter updates, and other system device updates[2].

Software and Driver Updates

Ensuring your Surface Pro 9 is running the latest software and drivers is crucial. Regularly check for Windows updates by pressing the Windows logo key + I to open Settings, then select Update & security > Windows Update > Check for updates. Installing the latest Windows updates can often resolve software-related issues causing the flicker[3][4].

Additionally, updating or rolling back the display drivers can be beneficial. To do this, open the Device Manager, expand Display adapters, right-click on the graphics card, and choose to Update driver or Roll Back Driver. If the issue persists, you can also try uninstalling the driver and allowing it to reinstall automatically upon restart[3].

Display Settings Adjustments

Adjusting the display settings can sometimes alleviate the flickering issue. Right-click on the blank area of the screen and select Display settings. Here, you can disable automatic brightness adjustments by unchecking the Change brightness automatically when lighting changes box. Also, try setting the Adaptive color toggle to Off and adjust the Refresh rate to 60 Hz, 120 Hz, or Dynamic to see if it makes a difference[3].

Hardware Troubleshooting

For issues that may be hardware-related, several troubleshooting steps can be taken. First, check if the flickering occurs at specific angles or when the screen is moved. If the flicker is related to movement, it could indicate faulty internal wiring. To further diagnose, boot into UEFI by turning off your Surface, pressing and holding the volume up button, and then pressing and releasing the power button. If the flickering persists in UEFI, it is likely a hardware issue[3].

Two-Button Shutdown and Restart

Performing a "two-button shutdown" can sometimes resolve temporary software glitches. To do this, press and hold the power button and the volume down button simultaneously for 10 seconds. Release the buttons and then press the power button again to restart your device. This forces the device to reboot Windows instead of hibernating, which can sometimes clear up the issue[1].

External Monitor Test

If the flickering is suspected to be a hardware defect in the display itself, connecting your Surface Pro 9 to an external monitor can help confirm this. If the flickering does not appear on the external monitor, it indicates a problem with the Surface Pro's display hardware[1].

Factory Reset

In some cases, a factory reset may be necessary to clear up any software or driver conflicts that could be causing the flicker. This will restore your device to its original settings, so it is advisable to back up any important data before proceeding with this step[1].

Professional Repair

If none of the above solutions work, it may be necessary to seek professional repair. For users still under warranty, contacting Microsoft support for a possible replacement or repair is a viable option. For those outside the warranty period, a reputable computer repair shop can diagnose and fix the issue, which may involve repairing or replacing the display or other hardware components[5].

By following these steps, users of the Surface Pro 9 can effectively diagnose and potentially fix the display flickering issue, ensuring a smoother and more reliable user experience.