Macbook Question Mark Folder Resolution

M Saleh Apple, Data Management

It often happens that when we start up our iMac or Macbook, we get a question mark folder. If you happen to be a regular Mac user, you know that it is not a good sign. There could be various reasons for this issue. Therefore, let us explore what it actually is, how it occurs, and how to solve it. 

What actually is a Question Mark Folder?

A flashing file folder is a nightmare for many Mac users. Typically, when such an error pops up, it means that ‘no boot device found.’ This means that Mac is not able to find and locate its startup disk, which is causing the boot to fail. When it comes to the question mark folder situation, there could be two scenarios: one is that your device will continue to boot even after the message has been displayed. However, in other cases, the boot process will ultimately come to halt.

How to solve the issue?

In the first scenario, where your device continues to boot even after the question mark folder error has displayed, you simply need to re-select the startup disk. Once you have re-selected the startup disk, restart your device to bring an end to the problem. 

Unfortunately, in other scenarios, where the boot process has completely stopped, it could be a major sign of the HDD/SSD/Fusion giving up. In such a case, make sure that you have your data backed on an external device as you will have to format your startup disk later on. 

What else could be done to solve the Question Mark Folder issue?

Try Restarting the device

Restarting the device is the first thing you should be trying. In many cases, the problem will be automatically fixed, and your device shall start normally. However, in other cases, the problem may be a bit complex.

Run Disk Repair

If restarting the device has not solved the problem, then running disk repair might solve it. Open the ‘disk utility’ in Mac and run ‘repair disk.’ Once the repair disk process is completed, navigate to the Apple menu and select ‘startup disk.’ Make sure that you restart your device after this.

To do this,

  • Launch recovery mode and select macOS Utilities
  • Click and select ‘Disk Utility,’ then Mac HD startup disk
  • Tap the First Aid tab and select ‘Repair Disk’

Update Mac OS

If the tips mentioned above fail to work, you might need to re-install and update your Mac OS. Furthermore, make sure that you have backed up your data in an external drive so that you do not lose crucial content. You will need to delete everything on your Mac and reinstall the Mac OS software. 

To do this:

  • Erase Mac’s regular Startup drive via Disk Utility
  • Boot in the recovery mode using the external disk
  • Select ‘Reinstall macOS’
  • Restart your Mac and select the ‘migrate data option’.
  • Choose the external drive as the source this time for the data you wish to move

Choose Startup Disk

In many cases, selecting the right startup disk can solve the problem. To do this, follow the steps mentioned below:

  • Launch Apple Menu and Click ‘System Preferences’
  • Tap the ‘Startup Disk’ option
  • Click the lock icon located down below and enter the password
  • Select ‘Macintosh HD’ as startup disk and Restart the device

We hope that the tips mentioned above will solve the question mark folder problem on your Mac. If everything fails, you might have to contact Apple as your hardware may have become defective.