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Surface Pro 4 Problems: How to Fix 21 Common Problems
Surface Pro 4 problems can make using Windows 10 to stay entertained or get work done very frustrating. We’ll show you how to fix Surface Pro 4 problems, including a flickering display and other annoying issues so you can get back at it.
The Surface Pro 4 looks like a tablet and has the heart of a notebook PC. This makes it just as difficult to troubleshoot as a laptop or desktop. You need to know where to find the right setting to stop the tablet from doing things that you don’t want it to, for example. The Surface Type Cover and Surface Pen add another layer of complexity. Sometimes they don’t work for reasons that aren’t clear.
Read: Microsoft Surface Pro 4 Tips & Tricks
(New) How to Fix Surface Pro 4 Screen Flicker Problems
If your Surface Pro 4’s display flickers after you use it for a half-hour or more, it may have a very serious issue that Microsoft can’t fix with a software update.
These screen flicker issues are so serious that thousands of Surface Pro 4 owners have reported problems at Flickergate.com, a website dedicated to forcing Microsoft to recall the broken PCs. To see if your Surface Pro 4 has the issue, start it and see if the screen flickers after 30 minutes of you browsing the internet, listening to music or watching videos.
Take your Surface Pro 4 to the nearest Microsoft Store for a replacement if its screen flickers like the Surface Pro 4 in the video above. Microsoft should offer you a replacement.
How to Stop Surface Pro 4 From Locking Up
By far, one of the most annoying Surface Pro 4 problems is freezing. Some users report that their device completely locks without warning.
When it happens, reset your Surface Pro 4 by holding down the power button until your Surface Pro 4’s screen goes black. Press the power button to turn the device back on.
Driver updates have fixed this and a few other Surface Pro 4 problems from launch. Go to the Updates & Recovery area in the Settings app to check for updates.
How to Fix Surface Pro 4 Screen Rotation Problems
Some users report that Windows 10 won’t rotate when they turn their Surface Pro 4. When they try, nothing happens and the screen rotation lock button disappears from the Action Center.
If this happens to you, try detaching your Type Cover. The Rotation Lock button should reappear in the Action Center and Windows 10 should rotate automatically again.
How to Fix Surface Pro 4 Windows Hello Problems
Windows Hello lets you unlock your device without a password or passcode. Unfortunately, it can fail in bad lighting conditions or if it needs another scan of your face.
To fix this and other Windows Hello Surface Pro 4 problems, open the Settings app. Open Accounts. Select Sign In Options. In the Sign In Options area, look for the Improve Recognition for Windows Hello button.
Read: How to Fix Windows Hello Problems
Try to get the angle that your face is usually at when you’re using your Surface Pro 4. If you have glasses, get a scan with your eyewear on and off.
How to Fix Surface Pro 4 Type Cover Problems
The Surface Pro 4’s Type Cover keyboard stops responding sometimes. If this happens to you, detach the keyboard. Now hold the power button on your Surface Pro down until you see a shade appear at the top of your screen. Drag that shade down to shut down. Your Surface Pro 4 Type Cover problems should be fixed once you start your device again.
Read: Best Surface Pro 4 Keyboards
How to Fix Surface Pro Pen Problems
Delete and pair your Surface Pen with your Surface Pro 4 again to fix connectivity issues that won’t allow you to write or draw in apps and programs. Use Gotta Be Mobile’s How to Sync and Set Up a Surface Pen guide to learn how.
Read: Surface Pen Tips for Surface Pro 4 and Surface 3
How to Fix Surface Pro 4 Camera Problems
Windows 10 will not let you use the Camera app to capture photos when you already have an app open that is using your camera. Shut any apps you’ve used the camera in recently. Now try opening the Camera app again.
Update: Microsoft will fix this problem with a free Windows 10 update in March or April 2018.
How to Stop Surface Pro 4 Display Crashes
Surface Pro 4 has a very, very nasty problem with its display driver crashing. The device will restart the driver itself, looking to you as if you display simply blinked for no reason. In our experience, it’s Microsoft’s Edge web browser causing this issue. Try browsing to the same site in Internet Explorer, Firefox or Chrome.
Update: Microsoft issued a firmware update to fix this problem. Check for more updates inside the Settings app under Updates & Recovery if it is still happening to you.
Surface Pro 4 Won’t Boot/Stuck on Boot Screen
A firmware issue sometimes keeps Surface Pro 4 from booting or starting up correctly when the Type Cover is attached and folded backward.
detach your Type Cover. Now press the power button on your Surface Pro 4. It should start immediately.
How to Fix Surface Pro 4 Apps Failing to Open
If apps won’t open on your Surface Pro 4, try restarting it. Hold the power button down until the shade appears. Now drag that shade to the bottom of your screen. Finally, power your Surface Pro 4 on again.
If this keeps happening, use Gotta Be Mobile’s How to Reset Your Windows 10 PC guide to reinstall Windows.
How to Fix Surface Pro 4 Blue Screen Problems
Some Surface Pro 4 users get a blue screen just after they try to wake their device from sleep. If this happens to you often, reset your Surface Pro 4.
Update: A driver update fixed this issue. Check for more updates inside the Settings app under Update & Recovery to make sure your device has the latest fixes.
How to Fix Surface Pro 4 Speaker Pop Problems
All Surface Pro 4 devices have a driver issue that causes their speakers to make a popping sound when you log in.
Update: Microsoft released a Surface Pro 4 firmware update that solved this problem. Check for more updates inside the Settings app under Update & Recovery.
Why You Can’t Install Windows 7 on Surface Pro 4
Microsoft designed the Surface Pro 4 to work with Windows 10. It is possible to get Windows 7 installed. However, you can expect lots of software bugs that Microsoft won’t fix. Your Surface Pen and Windows Hello camera won’t work with Windows 7.
The Surface Pro 4 with Type Cover and Surface Pen.
How to Fix Surface Pro 4 Wake Problems
A dead battery or charge problem can create a lot of Surface Pro 4 problems. Make sure your Surface Pro 4 has a charge if it doesn’t turn on. Connect it to power using the charger it came with. Hold your finger on the power button for 20 to 30 seconds. The screen should flicker. Now you should see the Surface logo.
If the power and waking problems continue, consider sending in your Surface Pro 4 for service.
How to Fix Weak Wi-Fi Surface Pro 4 Problems
Some Surface Pro 4 users report drops in wireless connectivity without explanation. If this is happening to your device, take it to your local Microsoft Store or contact device support. The company should offer a replacement if your device is still under warranty.
How to Fix Bluetooth Related Surface Pro 4 Problems
Surface Pro 4 devices regularly have Bluetooth connectivity problems. To fix these, try turning your Bluetooth device off then on. If that doesn’t work, check to make sure Bluetooth is on by taping or clicking on the message bubble in the bottom-right corner of your screen. Look for the Expand button. Tap the Bluetooth icon to turn the feature off. Tap again to turn it back on.
How to Fix Microsoft Edge Freezing Problems on Surface Pro 4
Microsoft’s Edge web browser frequently locks up with the Windows 10 Anniversary Update installed. Some users recommend uninstalling any Edge extensions you added from the Windows Store to fix this issue. Gotta Be Mobile recommends installing Google Chrome or Firefox for browsing instead.
Read: Best Windows 10 Browser: Edge vs Chrome
How to Fix Surface Pro 4 Tablet Mode Problems
Your Surface Pro 4 may automatically switch itself in and out of Tablet Mode when you attach its cover. If this is happening and you haven’t changed any settings, disconnect your Type Cover. Check the connector at the bottom of your Surface Pro 4 for bits of dirt preventing the cover from connecting reliably.
How to Fix Surface Pro 4 Low Storage Problems
If you’re routinely getting low storage warnings after your PC performed an upgrade, it’s time to use the built-in storage tool to start clearing extra files from Windows. Go to the Settings app. Tap or click on System. Tap or click on Storage. Now tap or click on the C drive at the top of the window.
Read: 4 Ways to Free Up Space on Windows 10
Windows 10 will analyze what’s taking up space on your device. You can choose to delete or move apps and programs by tapping or clicking on each one.
How to Fix Surface Pro 4 Charging Problems
Surface Pro 4 comes with a power adapter that has a USB plug for charging smartphones and tablets. Though convenient, smartphones that demand a lot of power interfere with the adapter’s ability to charge your Surface Pro. Unplug the smartphone or tablet to fix the issue.
If you don’t have anything plugged into the adapter’s USB port, try unplugging the adapter from your power outlet and connecting it again.
How to Fix Windows Insider Problems on Surface Pro 4
Windows Insider members get new features earlier than anyone else. That doesn’t mean you should try these updates on your Surface Pro 4. They’re often buggy and not feature complete. Turn them off if you’re having problems.
Open the Settings app. Then tap or click on Updates & Security. At the bottom of the menu on the left is an entry for the Windows Insider Program. Open that area and select Stop Insider Preview Builds.
ThinkPad X1 Tablet | |||||||||||
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The ThinkPad X1 Tablet offers a lot of great features: a durable shell, an amazing display and Amazon's Alexa personal assistant. The ThinkPad X1 Tablet has a 13-inch display. And, despite its good looks, the device has passed 12 military torture tests to ensure it can survive dust storms, cold temperatures, drops and spills. Finally, If you don't find Microsoft's Cortana personal assistant useful, the ThinkPad X1 Tablet has the same Alexa personal assistant your Echo smart speakers do. A Surface Pro won't survive a drop or spilled liquid and Cortana isn't as useful as Alexa is. Read: ThinkPad X1 Carbon, X1 Yoga and X1 Tablet Have Stunning Display and Alexa The third-generation ThinkPad X1 Tablet has powerful processors, plenty of RAM and other options. Models come with up to an 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM. You won't get stuck waiting for web pages to load or your photo editor to process your touch-ups. If you don't like passwords, use the IR camera on the front of the ThinkPad X1 Tablet to sign into Windows. This 2-in-1 also has a fingerprint reader. The ThinkPad X1 Tablet's screen detects 4,096 different levels of pressure from its digital pen. Besides that, it's a really detailed display. Windows, your videos and everything else you do on it looks crisp and detailed. Again, it's three times as sharp as an HD display. Like other Surface Pro 4 alternatives, this Windows 2-in-1 connects to its included keyboard cover using a special slot on its bottom edge. It has Thunderbolt 3 ports for fast data transfers, a MicroSD card reader and a headset jack. With LTE connectivity, you can add the ThinkPad X1 Tablet to your smartphone data plan. You can't do that with a Surface Pro 4. | |||||||||||
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