Fix Folder with question mark on Mac 1. Reset default startup disk

  

1. Reset default startup disk

    If your Mac displays a flashing question mark for a few moments but then continues to boot, there is nothing wrong with your Mac. You only need to reselect your startup disk in System Preferences. The default boot device of your Mac is NOT set to your bootable hard drive. Your Mac has to search for ALL bootable drives before getting to your current hard disk drive. This search task causes the time delay and you get the momentary flashing folder with question mark. Fixing this problem is very easy.

   

1. Choose System Preferences from the Apple Menu and select Startup Disk.

2. Click the lock icon at the bottom and provide your password to unlock the windows.

3. Click the icon of the disk you want to use to start up your Mac. It’s usually named Macintosh HD.

4. Then click the Restart button.

Your Mac should now restart and boot up without the flashing folder with question mark.

Alternately, you can do the NVRAM reset or PRAM reset and your Mac will automatically pick up the right startup disk.