Will a folder with a question mark flash up on your Mac immediately after opening it? Normally, this folder will remain for a few seconds (up to one minute), and the Mac will start as usual after a period of time. Unless you encounter this problem occasionally, you don’t have to worry about it. Those unfortunate users may still be unable to start their Mac.
A folder with a question mark denotes the Mac OS is unable to boot because a bootable volume cannot be found. To resolve this issue, you can load up the Recovery Mode and select the appropriate startup disk. If no startup disk is displayed, use First Aid to attempt repairing your disk. If the issue continues to occur, you might want to reset the NVRAM.
Method 1: Select Startup Disk
- Click the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
- Now click on the Startup Disk.
- Click the lock at the bottom and enter your password to unlock it.
- Select your Macintosh HD startup disk icon, and click Restart.
Method 2: Use Recovery Mode
- Press and hold the Power key until your Macbook shuts down.
- Wait for a few seconds and turn on the machine again.
- Press the Command + R keys simultaneously.
- Your Macbook will now display the Apple logo, and you will be prompted to enter the administrator password to log in to the firmware.
- Mac should start into Recovery Mode. If you’re prompted to connect to a Wi-Fi network, connect to your Wi-Fi.
- Click the Apple menu, followed by Startup Disk.
- Select your startup disk by clicking the Macintosh HD icon.
- Click on Restart.
Method 3: Initiate Disk Repair
- Select macOS Utilities in the Recovery Mode.
- Select Disk Utility | Macintosh HD startup disk.
- Click the First Aid tab, and then click Repair Disk.
- The repair process should begin. Patiently wait for it to conclude.
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