What to try if your Surface screen is distorted, is flickering, or has lines running through it

Check for updates

You can quickly check the health of your Surface drivers and firmware using the Surface app.

1. Select Start , search for surface, then select the app from the list of results.
   Open the Surface app

   Note: If you don't see the Surface app in the search results, you may need to download the Surface app from Microsoft Store.

2. On Help & support, check if the update status is "You're up to date" or something else. If needed, select the option to update the device.

Refresh the screen with keyboard shortcuts

If your problem continues after you've checked for updates, try refreshing the screen with keyboard shortcuts:

• Connect your Surface to a keyboard, then press the Windows logo key  + Ctrl + Shift + B.

Check your power settings

Try running our troubleshooter, which can automatically determine if you have the optimal power settings for your screen and adjust if needed. 

1. Select Start  > Settings  > System  > Troubleshoot , or select the button below.
   
   Open Troubleshoot Settings

2. Select Other troubleshooters , and next to Power , select Run.

Force a restart

If updating your Surface and the keyboard or tablet shortcuts didn’t work, you can try to force a shutdown, and then restart. To do this:

1. Select Start  > Power   > Shut down , and wait a moment for your Surface to shut down.
   If you have any apps open, you may be prompted to close them prior to shut down.

2. Then, press and hold the power button  for 20 seconds. If you see the logo screen appear after a few seconds, continue to hold for the full 20 seconds until you see the logo screen again.

See Force a shut down and restart your Surface for more info.

Test the screen in the UEFI of your Surface

Here's how to check if the screen issues only happen when you're using Windows: 

1. Turn off your Surface and wait 10 seconds.

2. Press and hold the volume up button on your Surface, and at the same time, press and release the power button . The logo screen will appear.

3. Continue to hold the volume up button . Release the button when then UEFI screen appears.

4. View the screen and see if the problem is still present.

   1. If the screen is working correctly, the problem is with the software installed on the Surface. For more info on reinstalling Windows, see Creating and using a USB recovery drive for Surface.

   2. If the screen still isn't working correctly, you'll need to submit a service order.

Submit a service order

If these steps don't resolve the problem, you can submit a service order to Microsoft to access available repair or replacement options. Go to Device Service and Repair, register, and then select your Surface to start a service order.

If your Surface is no longer within warranty, you can find out about out-of-warranty service fees.

Related topics 

• What to try if your Surface touchscreen doesn't work

• Adaptive brightness and contrast on Surface devices

• Troubleshoot connecting Surface to a second screen

• How to use Surface UEFI