If you've been dealing with the Surface Pro 7 screen flickering fix, you're not alone. As a longtime Surface user myself, I've faced similar frustrations. From screen flashing while reading documents to jittery displays during presentations, these glitches are disruptive, especially when you're trying to work or study. In this article, I'll guide you through tested solutions to help you eliminate screen flicker, restore normal usage, and stay productive with tools like WPS Office, even if a full hardware fix isn't immediately possible.
Check Settings First
Flickering issues often start with settings that seem harmless. Brightness and refresh rates can have more impact than you'd expect.
Step 1: Firstly, go to the display option in the settings and then Disable Adaptive Brightness by pressing the option shown in the image.
Step 2: Next, open the Control Panel, go to Power Options, click Change plan settings next to your active plan, and then select Change advanced power settings.
Step 3: Then, In the new window, expand the Display section and turn Enable adaptive brightness to Off for both battery and plugged-in modes.
Step 4: After This, Adjust Refresh Rate by choosing the Advanced display settings in the display settings.
Step 5: From there, lower the refresh rate to 60Hz and apply the changes, higher refresh rates like 120Hz can sometimes lead to display instability, especially after system updates.
Step 3: Now, Change Battery Mode Settings by clicking the battery icon in the system tray and slide the power mode all the way to Best performance.
Switching off adaptive brightness and reducing the refresh rate immediately resolved flicker on my Surface Pro 7. It became usable again for reading PDFs and editing WPS Writer documents without interruption.
Update or Roll Back Drivers
Sometimes the issue lies deeper, in your system or graphics drivers. These can cause or fix flickering depending on how recently you've updated them.
Step 1: First of all, open the Device Manager by pressing Windows + X.
Step 2: Then click on the Display Adapters section.
Step 3: After that, right-click your GPU, and choose Update driver.
Step 4: Then select Search automatically to let Windows find the latest version for you.
Step 4: If your Surface Pro 9 started flickering after a recent update, it might be safer to roll back to the previous driver. In Device Manager, right-click your GPU and choose Properties, then go to the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver, if that option is available.
Step 5: Install the Latest Surface Firmware Updates. Firmware issues can often be the hidden cause behind screen flickering. To make sure everything is up to date, head over to Settings, then to Windows Update, check for updates, and install any pending system or firmware updates.
On my Surface Pro 9, screen flickering appeared after a driver update. Rolling back the driver resolved it instantly. I could resume my WPS Spreadsheet tasks without graphical glitches.
Hardware or Warranty Time?
If settings and drivers don't fix the issue, it's time to consider hardware. Not all flickering is software-related.
Step 1: Monitor Heat-Related Flickering, Overheating can cause your screen to flicker during extended use, so make sure you’re using your device on a hard, flat surface to allow proper airflow.
Step 2: Check for Flicker in UEFI Mode. If you suspect a hardware issue, try checking the screen in UEFI mode. To do this, shut down your Surface completely, then hold Volume Up + Power until the UEFI menu appears.
Step 3: Evaluate Repair or Replacement Options. If your screen is still flickering and you're out of warranty, repairs can be costly, Microsoft screen replacements may exceed $400. Check your warranty status on the official Microsoft support site to see your options. In the meantime, you might consider connecting to an external monitor to continue tasks like working on WPS Presentations without interruption.
Flickering persisted even in the UEFI menu on an older Surface Pro 6. I had to switch to an external monitor temporarily to finish a client report in WPS Presentation before finally sending it in for service.
Stay Productive with WPS
Even with persistent screen flickering, there are ways to work around it, especially if you're using a tool like WPS Office. One notable choice is WPS Office. It’s not only a cost-effective alternative but also a lightweight and versatile solution compatible with all major operating systems, including Windows, iOS, and Linux.
Once installed, it blends effortlessly into your system, almost as if it were designed to be your default productivity suite. WPS Office delivers strong performance, providing all the essential tools you need and then some. With features like a built-in PDF editor and AI integration, it enhances productivity in a way that’s intuitive, accessible, and user-friendly for all users.
Use Touchscreen and Tablet Mode:
Since WPS is optimized for tablet use, it works especially well on devices like the Surface Pro. Just switch to Tablet Mode, and you can navigate your documents using gestures and touch instead of relying on a mouse, it’s a more natural, flexible way to work.
Work in Offline Mode:
If you find yourself offline during a repair or system update, no worries, WPS Writer and Spreadsheet still let you edit your documents. Just open the apps, save your files locally, and pick up where you left off once you’re back online.
Cloud Sync to Another Device:
When screen flickering becomes too disruptive to work comfortably, you can easily switch to another device that’s synced. Use WPS Cloud or OneDrive to keep your files updated, then continue your work seamlessly on a different laptop or even your phone.It offers fairly good cloud sync compatibility, especially for users who want flexibility across multiple devices.
During a week when my Surface Pro screen glitch made reading hard, I used WPS Office inbuilt tablet mode. Tablet mode in WPS Office offers a touch-friendly interface that simplifies navigation, especially on devices like the Surface Pro. For many users, switching to tablet mode streamlined their workflow by allowing them to scroll, highlight, and annotate documents more naturally using touch and gestures. While it lacks the precision of a mouse for detailed edits, features like gesture-based controls, easy zooming, and a clean, distraction-free layout helped compensate, making it ideal for reviewing documents, taking notes, and working on the go.
Comparison Table Summary
Quick reference for common causes and how well each fix works.
Flicker Cause | Fix Method | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
Adaptive brightness | Disable in power settings | High |
High refresh rate | Lower to 60Hz | Medium to High |
Driver issue after update | Rollback or update graphics driver | Medium |
Screen or LCD damage | Contact Microsoft or replace part | Low (if hardware issue) |
FAQs
Q1: Why is my Surface Pro screen flickering on battery?
It’s often due to adaptive brightness or power-saving settings. Switch to performance mode and disable adaptive brightness.
Q2: Can a driver update fix flickering?
Yes, especially if the problem started after a major Windows or firmware update.
Q3: How do I know if it’s a hardware issue?
If flicker persists even in UEFI mode or after a clean boot, hardware is likely the cause.
Q4: Can I still use WPS Office with a flickering screen?
Yes. WPS Office is lightweight and responsive—even with flickers, you can manage basic tasks using touch and keyboard shortcuts.
