If you want to try and fix the question mark folder on your own, let’s look at some of the available solutions. Keep in mind that you may lose the data on your Mac in the process, so if you don’t have backups and really need the files, take your laptop to service. Is it time to go to service?ĭepending on the severity of the problem, the issue can be solved with some of the below solutions or require professional help. The dark screen with a sole lonesome folder with a question mark on it is stuck on your screen and there’s nothing you can do about it. Now, let’s tackle the question mark folder issue that won’t allow your Mac to load. If you don’t know which disk to choose, it’s best to consult with a professional as some choices (for example, selecting an install volume instead of the startup one) may result in system reinstall and can wipe your data. Make sure the right one is selected (usually, it’s Macintosh HD) and if any changes need to be made, click the lock at the bottom left, select the right disk, and click Restart. Click on Startup Disk and you’ll see available disks to use for startup Make sure your Mac is using the right startup disk by going to System Preferences via the Apple menu. Then power your Mac back up and immediately press Option + Command + P + R. To reset NVRAM, simply turn off the laptop by clicking the Apple menu and selecting Shut Down. That includes basic booting info, so resetting it can help solve the flashing question mark folder issue if it appears for a brief moment and your Mac proceeds to boot. NVRAM is a type of memory that retains data without power supply. Try these two fixes that can help solve the issue. If the flashing Mac folder with question mark only appears when you boot your device, it means your Mac is looking for a bootable volume because the default one isn’t set right. There are two scenarios you can encounter when it comes to a Mac flashing folder with the dreaded question mark – you can see it briefly and your Mac proceeds to load or the flashing question mark folder persists and that’s all you see on your screen. This can also mean there’s no Mac OS on the designated startup disk. If when booting your Mac you see a flashing folder with a question mark on it, that’s a sign your laptop can’t find a startup disk.

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Mac startup question mark