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FIX: Surface Pro 4 screen dimming problem
7 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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We continue our series of articles about problems in theSurface Pro 4. After solving (or at least trying to solve) waking up problems in our previous article, we move on to another common Surface Pro 4 issue.
This time, we’re going to talk about the annoyingscreendimming problem on Surface Pro 4, and how to (try to) solve it.
A few things can cause the screen dimming problem with Surface Pro 4, so we’ll cover all of them. If you’re also facing this annoying problem, check our solutions below.
Also, here are a few more problems you can solve with the same solutions:
How do I fix the screen dimming issue on the Surface Pro 4?
1. Turn off adaptive brightness
Adaptive brightness is a tricky thing. This feature can be extremely useful, in terms of saving power, but sometimes, it can also be troublesome.
In case you don’t know how this feature works, adaptive brightness scans your surroundings and automatically sets your screen brightness based on a level of lightness around you.
As we said, adaptive brightness can go wild sometimes, causing various issues on a device, including the screen dimming problem.
So, if you’re facing the screen problem, you should try disabling the adaptive brightness feature, and see if the issue is resolved.
Once you disable the adaptive brightness feature, the problem with screen dimming on your Surface Pro 4 device will hopefully be solved.
However, if the issue is still present after disabling adaptive brightness, try the solution from below.
2. Disable the Intel graphics features
Another feature that’s similar to adaptive brightness can cause your Surface Pro 4’s screen to dim.
That feature is Intel’sDisplayPower Saving Technology or DPST, which adjusts your screen brightness based on how dark or light the content on the screen is.
So, adaptive brightness scans your surroundings to adjust brightness, and DPST scans what’s actually on the screen.
Of course, the solution is to turn DPST off, as well, but that won’t be as easy as disabling adaptive brightness.
Some older PCs have the option to disable DPST via Intel’sdriverconfiguration software, but unfortunately, that software is not available on theSurfaceline of tablets.
So, it’s impossible to legitimately disable this feature on your Surface Pro 4. However, there’s an alternative way of doing that, by using one registry tweak.
So, if you want to disable Intel Display Power Saving Technology on your Surface Pro 4, perform the steps above.
Once you perform this action, Intel’s DPST will be disabled, and potential screen dimming issues will be solved.
3. Check for updates, and make sure yourdriversare up to date
Microsoft releases new updates for devices from itsSurfaceline quite often. So, there’s a chance that Microsoft or Intel pushed a new update for the Surface Pro 4 before you found this article.
Just in case, head over toSettings, selectUpdates & Security, and check for updates.
The same thing applies to your Surface Pro 4’s graphics card. Go to the Device manager, and check if a new version of a graphicsdriverfor your device is available.
Updatedriversautomatically
It is very important to choose the rightdriverversions from the manufacturer’s website. In case you choose and install the wrong one, this will not only be an issue for the GPU but may harm all your system.
The tool recommended below is safe, quick, and it will update all your drivers automatically in a single action with no effort from your part.
⇒Get Outbyte Driver Updater
4. Rollback to an olderdriver
Contrary to the previous solution, the newestdrivermay actually do more harm than good. If it doesn’t compliment the otherdrivers, there could be problems.
In that case, the best decision is to just roll back to an older, working version of thedriver.
5. Set the DPI size
Adjusting DPI (dots per inch) can also play a role in resolving screen problems on Windows laptops or PCs. This option should be set to the best settings. However, there could be some interference.
6. Update Windows
As it’s the case with all Windows-related products, Microsoft delivers updates for the Surface Pro 4 through Windows Update.
So, make sure to always keep your device up to date, because there could be some important updates you can’t afford to miss. And by important updates, we think patches and hotfixes for problems like this one.
To check for new updates, simply go toSettings, selectUpdates & Security, and check for updates.
7. Remove the latest Windows update
Contrary to the previous solution, it’s also possible that the very update you just installed caused the screen dimming problem on your Surface Pro 4.
Because, well, Microsoft’s updates aren’t always that perfect. To uninstall the previously installed Windows 10 update, follow the instructions above.
8. Change the refresh rate
And finally, the last thing we’re going to try is changing the display refresh rate. Although this shouldn’t directly affect the screen, you can try it if none of the previous solutions worked.
You have nothing to lose. Follow the steps above on how to change the refresh rate of your Surface Pro 4’s display.
Screen dimming and otherdisplayissues can be very annoying, especially on portable devices like the Surface Pro 4.
We hope this article helped you to solve the screen dimming problem on your Surface Pro 4.
And if you have some other screen-related problem on your device, check out thishelpful articlefor a potential solution.
Should you happen to know any other solutions, write it down under the comments section below so that other users can benefit from it.
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
