You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Level 1

4 points

Why do I see a folder with a question mark on it when i try to start up my MacBook Air?

Why do I see a folder with a question mark on it when i try to start up my MacBook Air?

Posted on Oct 1, 2019 7:05 AM

Reply

Top-ranking reply

Level 10

111,204 points

Posted on Oct 1, 2019 7:10 AM

Your Mac cannot find a viable version of Mac OS to start up from. Boot into Startup Manager and select your Mac OS volume.

How to select a different startup disk - Apple Support

If that doesn't work then boot into Recovery Mode and reinstall Mac OS:

About macOS Recovery - Apple Support

View in context

Similar questions

2 replies

Top-ranking reply

Level 10

111,204 points

Oct 1, 2019 7:10 AM in response to joy2b

Your Mac cannot find a viable version of Mac OS to start up from. Boot into Startup Manager and select your Mac OS volume.

How to select a different startup disk - Apple Support

If that doesn't work then boot into Recovery Mode and reinstall Mac OS:

About macOS Recovery - Apple Support

Reply

Level 10

732,305 points

Oct 1, 2019 7:10 AM in response to joy2b

Click here and follow the instructions. If the computer was running Mac OS X 10.6.8 or earlier and you reach the third set of steps, insert a Mac OS X install disk or plug in its original thumbdrive.

(174894)

Reply

Why do I see a folder with a question mark on it when i try to start up my MacBook Air?

Welcome to Apple Support Community

A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.

Learn more Sign up