Self HelpBoise Computer Care

Mac

Mac won't start or shows a question mark folder

Mac won't start, or shows a question-mark folder or stuck progress bar? Recovery mode, Disk Utility First Aid, Safe Mode and reinstall steps.

Difficulty
Medium
Time
20-60 min
Steps
8
Updated

Sounds like this?

  • Black screen when pressing power
  • Flashing folder with a question mark
  • Circle with a line through it
  • Stuck on the Apple logo progress bar

Step by step

  1. Plug in the charger for at least 15 minutes. Check the cable and adapter work with another device if you can.
  2. Press and hold the power button 10 seconds, release, then press it normally.
  3. Unplug all accessories except the charger.
  4. Apple silicon: shut down, then press and hold power until Loading startup options appears. Intel: hold Command + R at startup to reach macOS Recovery.
  5. In Recovery, open Disk Utility, select your startup disk, and run First Aid.
  6. If the question-mark folder appears, go to Apple menu › Startup Disk in Recovery and choose your disk.
  7. Try Safe Mode (Apple silicon: hold power › select disk › hold Shift › Continue in Safe Mode; Intel: hold Shift at startup).
  8. As a last resort, use Recovery to Reinstall macOS. This keeps your files, but back up first if you can.

Related error codes & messages

Quick answers

When should I stop and get professional help with "Mac won't start or shows a question mark folder"?

Stop and get help if: Disk Utility can't see the internal disk. First Aid reports errors it can't repair. The Mac shows no sign of power with a known-good charger. You need files off a Mac that won't boot. Boise Computer Care can diagnose it for a $60 fee; call 208-996-3508.

How long does this fix take and how hard is it?

Plan on 20-60 min. Difficulty: Medium.

Is it safe to try this myself?

Mostly, if you follow these precautions: Don't erase the disk in Disk Utility unless your data is backed up (Time Machine or iCloud). If the Mac got wet, don't power it on. See our liquid spill guide.

Which error messages or codes does this guide cover?

Question mark folder, Prohibitory symbol, -1008F, -2003F.

Still stuck?

Ask Fyx365 AI

Describe the problem in plain English and get guided, step-by-step help. Start on the free plan; Pro is $9.99/month. BCC is an official Fyx365 partner.

Still stuck? Ask Fyx365 AI (free plan)

Want a pro?

Book a repair at BCC

  • Diagnostic$60
  • Shop repairs$100/hr
  • On-site$100/hr + $100 visit

10504 W Fairview Ave, Boise ID · Fri–Wed 10 AM–8 PM · Closed Thursday

Book a repair at BCCCall 208-996-3508

Related guides

  1. Mac Mac Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting Wi-Fi drops every few minutes Easy10-20 minWi-Fi: No hardware installedSelf-assigned IP address
  2. Mac Back up a Mac with Time Machine Never backed up your Mac Easy15 min setup + first backupTime Machine couldn't complete the backupThe backup disk is not available
  3. Mac Mac app frozen: force quit safely Spinning beach ball on one app Easy2-5 minApplication Not RespondingYour computer restarted because of a problem
  4. Mac Mac storage full: 'System Data' taking space 'Your disk is almost full' Easy15-30 minYour disk is almost fullSystem Data