If you own a first-generation Surface Book or Surface Pro 4, keep an eye on its screen. Discoloration, bulging glass at the seams, or a bulge on the back of the display could indicate battery swelling, which is a known but not officially disclosed issue we’re seeing happen too often on these devices.
We first heard about this from a former director at a small engineering firm, who oversaw the purchase of at least 15 Surface Book laptops from Microsoft, over a period of time from 2015-2017. Of those laptops, three were returned with warped or discolored displays due to pressure on the screen, and another now shows similar symptoms.
According to that director, representatives at the Microsoft Store “knew exactly what the problem was,” and said anyone experiencing the issue should “bring it in so it doesn’t explode on them.” When we looked into it, we readily found posts seeking advice for the same issue: on Microsoft forums, Reddit, Surface Forums, and elsewhere.
We asked Microsoft about battery swelling issues in the Surface Book and Surface Pro 4 (which are nearly identical, minus that the display on the Book is detachable from a keyboard base). We received this response: “We are aware of reports of battery expansion and we encourage users who experience expanded batteries to contact Microsoft Support.” There is currently no official recall on these devices.
Battery swelling is not an uncommon issue across laptops, tablets, and two-in-one devices. But the Surface Book and Surface Pro 4 are somewhat distinct, because they have long suffered from power management issues, namely waking up when supposedly “asleep” and running hot inside bags and cases. The issues with Surface Book and Pro 4 power management were notable enough for longtime Microsoft blogger Paul Thurrott to dub the issue “Surfacegate.”
Swelling can occur in any lithium-ion battery that is aged, composed from a bad batch of chemicals, or damaged by overheating. Swollen batteries are not just a nuisance, but a danger. There is a real concern for fire or explosions, which is why the Galaxy Note 7 and certain MacBook Pro models were recalled and banned from flights.
As you can see in our guides to replacing the battery in the Surface Book and Surface Pro 4, space is very tight in these devices. Expansion pressure inside a tightly-sealed device has to go somewhere, and the adhesive on the glass front of the device is often the weakest point.
Reports of such swelling are seemingly widespread on these Surface devices, and Microsoft clearly knows that. The company should be more forthcoming about the issue to owners of these devices, and proactively reach out to them, lest users think they have a harmless screen issue rather than a dangerous battery issue.
If your Surface Book or Surface Pro shows signs of swelling, immediately stop using it, turn it off, do not charge it, and contact Microsoft.
댓글 51개
I’ve had the same problem with my Surface Book, battery swollen, I contacted Microsoft, they told me to buy a new surface because they can’t help me with this surface. i purchased my surface in March, 2016.
upon asking for a solution, they told me they cant help me and they will not receive the surface in their service center even at my own expense.
i paid 1700$ for it, microsoft is recommending that i spend another 1700$ for a new device
Maher Haddad - 답글
I pierced the battery with a needle from both sides and this worked for me
Pavel Boico - 답글
I discovered that my batteries were ballooning. I assumed that it was the entire battery but it was only the metallic (mylar?) casing. Once I tore open the casing while removing the battery, did I realize that gas must have leaked from the battery and although the battery no longer holds a charge, I could have saved myself much trouble and money had I pierced the casing material. Before I replace the battery, I will pierce the casing material with a pin as you wisely did.
Buck Khoe -
Would you share if it has worked well so far? Is it a dependable solution to the problem? No harm or damger has occurred? I am having this problem now, so your answer is much appreciated.
Amir Mir Abdolazimi -
Hi Amir,
I just wanted to pop into this comment thread and let you know that piercing a swollen battery can actually be quite dangerous and cause a fire. If you click here I’m linking a Wiki page with some direction on how to handle a swollen or bulging battery.
I hope this helps!
Amber
Amber Taus -
You are joking right? You pierced the battery? The sheer inability to comprehend how dangerous this is, is unbelievable. ANYONE considering this should understand that the battery housing is a container for chemical liquids which under the right situation will explode. These explosions are not the same as in movies but would begin with a hissing, followed by a tear then potentially followed by an explosion and fire. The hissing is commonly the toxic gases with the CO2 barrier gas escaping (depending on the battery). UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE PUNCTURE ANY lithium ion or ni-cad battery. This isn’t something you can just clean up, it requires a hazmat team and if you are unlucky, hospitalization.
Philipp zu Putlitz -
I bought my SP4 on Nov 2016 and had the battery bulge so much by Feb 2020 that the side of the screen peeled off. Scary $@$*.
duckter - 답글
I've just noticed my sp4 starting to bulge
Jason O'Leary - 답글
My sp4 screen has separated from the frame by more than 1/4 “, likely from battery budge, even tho i use it lightly.
At the ms store, they said its a few m out of warranty, so my so only option is to get an upgrade to a refurbished sp5, for $500.
Oh, it might explore or caugh on fire, so dont use immediately.
Ridiculous. $1200 and its a brick. I guess they dont mind the bad publicity and inevitable class action suits.
Tomas loomis - 답글
mIne is bulding as well.. first it had the flickering issue on the screen. now it is buldging.. it is so sad microsoft wont do any $@$* for it
Azraf kamarudin - 답글
Same as mine.. the cost for repair is not worth it. Might as well buy a new one.
Kikish Sunkiss -
I have the screen flicker at the moment. I too, and only 4 months out of warranty. I , too, was told buy a new one from us. We aren't helping you. So. I Will buy a new one, Microsoft. A D.E.L.L.! I am Still using a Dell laptop I purchased over 15 YEARS AGO- NO ISSUES EVER!!
pquilting - 답글
Looks like the only way to get them to listen is to hit them where it hurts. THEIR WALLET
Kevin Palembas - 답글
My Surface Pro 4 just had the screen pop out of its frame last week. I bought it in March of 2017 so am out of luck with the secret warranty that Microsoft apparently offered when they knew about this issue. Now they want 630.00 to give me a refurbished SP4 that will probably do the same thing. They should have done a recall on this as it is extremely dangerous. Someone should start a class action against Microsoft. This is inexcusable.
Gail Armstrong - 답글
I noticed a small portion of my left screen having something very similar to burning mark and top of screen started to flicker a few days ago, and then today the portion of screen bulged. I have used this SP4 as my daily laptop since 2016. It still functions normally but I suspect my SP4 is having the same issue here. Bought it for $2,014.88 CAD in Nov 2016
Jason Huang - 답글
Interesting reading these comments, I purchased my SP4 1TB in July 2016 at over $2,000! And now, only 4 years on, it appears it may be toast!
Over the past month I’ve noticed the screen bulging on my SP4 and just this week the screen has separated from the frame! I’ve not approached Microsoft yet to see what they say about it, but by all accounts, from what I’ve read here, I don’t believe they’ll be too responsive, which will be very disappointing.
Craig Glatley - 답글
Same is happening to me. Noticed that the kickstand was uneven and did not understand why. Now, can clearly see that the screen is bulging, some pixels are not working properly and the chassis is deformed. Will MS do something about it? Out of warranty so I highly doubt so.
Jonathan Insermini - 답글
For $599 (plus tax), they will process a replacement of the exact same model that has been “certified by their technicians” as if the one I spent $2000 on wasn’t…oh, and the refurbished one comes with a 90-day warranty, hooray!
Matt Richardson - 답글
There is now a Facebook group to get together and see where all of us can go from here. Even if you already spent the $599+ to fix the surface book, still join in case there is a chance for financial retribution.Go to FB and search for the group: Microsoft Surface Book Problems with Screen Discoloration and Bulging
Thank you everyone, we can figure this out together!
janejane2222 - 답글
I left the surface pro 4 in the car for an hour or two and came back and the battery head almost pushed the screen all the way out.
Jason Giambra - 답글
I work in IT for a company and we purchased about 40 Surface Pro 4 tablets over the course of 2 years. The earlier purchase dates back to Dec. 2015. I started have units returned to me with the same overheating issue this year. It all starts with faint lighting in the corners of the screen. Eventually, you will see a small yellow spot start to appear either on the left side or even in the lower middle. Once you see the spot, you should prepare that the unit is about to be done. Regularly, after 1-2 weeks of normal 8-hour office use, the screen has bulged to the point it is no longer attached to the side. I have had 8 this year so far. All were purchased in 2016-17 and now out of warranty. I have 5 that are still covered under warranty, but those will end in Oct.
With 20% already displaying failure, I’m looking into replacing all of them. They pose a risk, unfortunately.
Rus Mayse - 답글
Hi thats what happening to my laptop screen now. I don't know when i started to have marks on the side since I was using a separate monitor. The monitor started showing pixel discoloration while my laptop screen shows okay so I stop using my monitor til I buy new cable which I thought was the caused of the issue. But then now I noticed the screen of my laptop wasnt as flat as it was before that is why Im here....
Hello Auie -
I am on the phone with Microsoft right now. I purchased my Surface Book in early 2017. Top left corner of screen has 2 yellow spots and is bulging/separating from the frame. Paid $3,299 for the 1TB version, and I’m guessing that they’re going to tell me that they’ll do nothing for me.
peter cohen - 답글
Same issue with my surface book. Microsoft is asking for $699 plus taxes but with no guarantee. As a student, I have no choice but to keep using it until I have enough to buy another. The surface book did not even last four years.
Manjari Das - 답글
I experienced the same thing with my less than one year laptop.
anter123456 - 답글
I am having the same problem, but I live outside of US….And this is my second Surface. 1st they have changed due also to heating (screen was flickering). Microsoft is charging 450$ for this change. Ans also they said they will give me a refurbushed one, not a new one….And as I live outide US, I need to mail my surface. Impossible.
carlos - 답글
I brought my Surface Pro 4, then after about 2 years of light use had the infamous screen flicker problem. I didn’t want to pay for repairs so left it. Luckily, Microsoft eventually acknowledged some Surface Pro 4s were defective and offered a free replacement service. I took up the offer, got a free refurbished Surface Pro 4. In less than 2 years it has now started showing the battery bulging problem. So, Microsoft basically replaced my defective Surface Pro 4 with another defective Surface Pro 4! Thanks, Microsoft!
G C - 답글
The only way to solve Microsoft Surface huge battery problem is to go APPLE, period, Microsoft are not a consumer friendly company as the know perfectly well who bought there defect devices, maybe it takes a burning Surface book in a commercial airplane before anybody react, Microsoft is completely neglecting the safety hazard they have created……Go APPLE do not waste you money on Microsoft!
Kurt Eduard Kristoffersen - 답글
I also have a surface pro whith a bulging screen. I've been using it like that for about a year. $@$* I had no idea this thing could blow up on me… How is this legal?
Kevin Taylor - 답글
Same problem here. Offered refurb surface 4 for $700 CDN. No thank you. Will likely die again soon anyway. I'll wait for the inevitable lawsuit.
Lucas Leung - 답글
Had a problem with closing the surfacebook - after futher examination turned out that the screen was bent. Since I found that very strange I did some searching on the Internet and found that this was most likely due to a battery expansion issue. Laptop was a week away from 3 years after puchase. Called with the MS helpdesk and they made a ticket and asked for photos and a a video of the device. After two days received a message that the device would be replaced and the old one must be destroyed. Replacement is currently underway.
Marcel - 답글
Same Problem here The battery has been bulging starting this week. Hong Kong Microsoft offers an refurbished surface pro 5 for $500USD.
My Surface Pro 4 was replaced within 3 years for the screen problem..so it is actually less than three years.
Vincent Yeung - 답글
My sp4 screen separated this week. I got the computer 7/2017 so out of warranty I can buy the same computer refurbished for 450$ is that a good deal? Same set up same battery :( WTF
kmurtagh32 - 답글
Surface Pro 4 here, bought Feb 2017. I started to notice some screen bulging a few months ago and yellowing spots on the screen. Bulging is noticeable on the back side too. I won’t bother contacting Microsoft after reading everyone’s experience, and look at buying Dell or Lenovo next. Any attorneys affected by this, how about a class action lawsuit??
horiavese - 답글
Mine just got bulging recently, discolour also. 18 months ago, I got a refurbished one due to screen flickering, thanks God they did replace another one. Now I am wondering whether I could have another replacement. I am happy to continue using SP4, love its design and its handy laptop. Thinking of upgrading to Pro X but rethink now.
I bought this used one from my friend in Singapore and had to send it back to Singapore for replacement.
Lan Kien HO - 답글
Is there a legal group that is dealing with this issue?
John Dimitris - 답글
Well, that’s one way to get the screen off. I guess this is a “feature”
bendalton - 답글
This is so frustrating to read all these shared issues. Now Microsoft has closed all their stores (Toronto), which is where I usually went for walk in help that was outstanding. And further they turned their phone suppport off making it even more challenging to get help.
I am terribly sorry that I purchased another Surface Pro 7 and my Pro4 is bcoming less usable by the day. virtual Keyboard is inconsistant and screen yellowing is expanding.
Has anyone tried to open the screen and reset the parts causing the bulge? if so, how do you do that? Someone mentioned piercing the battery?
Sam Chaim - 답글
I have this same problem with my Surface 4. Called a MS support agent and they told me it was out of warranty (purchased in 2016). This is ridiculous!
dsokoloski - 답글
I bought the original surface pro 4 in Dec 2015 and then faced the battery swollen issue in 2019 and Microsoft sent me the replacement of a refurnished device. Now just two months ago, the replaced surface faced the battery swelling/screen bulging issue again and the screen is totally lifted out from the edge. Called MS and they can only provide another replacement for $450 which is unacceptable. They stated that they had extend warranty for 3 years, but really don’t understand why it doesn’t start the surface was replaced… It is really disappointing with a such defective product… Recall should be a reasonable action for all Surface users.
Colin Jia - 답글
I saw so discoloration for a while, didn’t pay attention until today I notice my screen is seriously bulging out, the side of the screen can’t even attach to the backing support, can peel thru the inside! Shall I fix this SP4?
E Wong - 답글
Baterry replacement is possible but it is difficult, There are a few youtube videos about it. I tried (switching the screen too to fix the flickering), but my replacement battery was a dud. Dates from 2015 and has no charge. (there might be issues with the controller not being the same too). Thinking about ordering another one or keep it like this as a very light no battery surface that need to be pluged in to work..
driffster - 답글
Son’s surface pro4 laptop was swapped out for a sleep issue but now 2 years later, the battery is swollen just like these reports.
The touchscreen is warped where the battery swelled up. Microsoft isn’t repairing these under a recall or anything, just full cost of repairs.
Is it worth it to repair this?
Michael Gong - 답글
I have a Surface Pro4, With the Battery swollen bulging the screen. That type my almost 600.00 to replace with a refurbish with a 90 day warrant. No assurance that it will not do the something. I also own a surface book, what am I to expect? Yes please include me in the lawsuit.
tsr - 답글
My Surface book is also bulging and showing yellow spots on all 4 sides. It is out of warranty, (which conveniently ends a year shy of when these defects wreck your computer) and now my trackpad goes haywire randomly, making it hard to use photoshop. So, it’s basically useless soon, Microsoft wants $600 to replace the part with the same problem down the line. I will probably try to replace the battery and maybe screen using ifixit products, but no way am I buying another Surface product now. Pity, it was a good machine otherwise, but a $3k computer should last more than 4 years. Somebody sue them please, I’m sure a bunch of us will join in.
Layil Umbralux - 답글
I thought I was the only one with the experience of bulging battery and detached screen in a 1st generation Surface Book. I was planning to replace it, but having read some of the above comments, I will rather go for other brands.
Jubril Hanidu - 답글
The screen of my Surface Pro 4 is also bulging. Everyone needs to report their problems to The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) CPSC.gov . They are aware of the problem , but obviously don't know how many are affected by this problem. My contact with Microsoft resulted in these comments" We have received a feedback from our Microsoft Surface Extended Team stating that there are a number of possible reasons that a lithium-ion battery can swell. The most common cause is an overcharge of the battery, which causes a chemical reaction between the electrodes and the electrolyte, resulting in the release of heat and gases that expand inside the battery, causing the casing to swell or even to split open. We recommend that customers not continue to use a device with an expanded battery, except where the Surface operates only on battery power and for the purposes of data transfer. Surface devices with expanded batteries should not be connected to AC power as it could possibly lead to rupture.
ssaboley - 답글
I had this with my Surface Pro's 4 in 2019. Microsoft Netherlands replaced the machine (through an external technical service provider), for which I was very grateful. But unfortunately, this 2nd machine has the same problem already , Very disappointing. I love the device, but this is not good,
Arie Bos - 답글
I spend 1 hour and 20 minutes with Microsoft Support and got transfer to 4 different departments. They did told me that it is know issue for surface pro. Their solution is for me to pay FULL PRICE to buy a new or a refurbish (if I have a tight budget) surface pro to replace my old one.
Cristina Green - 답글
does this happen with later viersions of the SP? Say, the 5 or 6 model? I have th keyboard docking station and charger and would just buy another tablet...not too expensive on Amazon or eBay...
Ted Cousens - 답글
where can I find the class action law suit? Microsoft needs to be held accountable!
Kenneth 19th Century - 답글