Microsoft promises fix for Surface Pro 3 overheating issues

There have been reports by some recent Surface Pro 3 users -- specifically those buying the Intel Core i7 devices -- that their tablets are overheating.

Microsoft officials responded publicly on August 26 to those reports, claiming a fix is in the works and will be available "as soon as possible." (Officials declined to say if that means on the next Patch Tuesday, which is September 9, or some other date.)

I asked for an update on the overheating reports and a Surface spokesperson sent the following response:

“The Surface Team is aware of a very small number of Surface Pro 3 Intel® Core™ i7 devices that are temporarily restarting and incorrectly showing a 'Thermometer Gauge' icon while attempting to boot up. Our investigation reveals that the system is triggering this event sooner than it should for some people, only when the device restarts, and this does not occur when the device is booted and running. We have an update that will address this that will be ready for our customers as soon as possible.

"The i7 version of Surface Pro 3 is a first-of-its-kind tablet delivering i7 processing power in a thin and light package. As such, the increased power calls for the fan to spin more regularly and at higher speeds – and for the unit to run slightly warmer. If customers have any questions or concerns, they should contact Microsoft Support.”

Microsoft introduced its third-generation Surface Pro 3 tablets in May 2014. Microsoft is positioning the Surface Pro 3 as a replacement for MacBook Airs and other laptops.