Erased Operating System Flashing Question Mark

Flashing folder with a question mark is an error that may occurs when Mac cannot detect its boot directory. This usually happens when:

1. Mac cannot find the startup Disk.

2. MacOS is corrupt

However, you can try the below methods to fix the issue:

1. Boot your Mac into macOS Recovery Mode

2. Repair startup disk using disk utility

3. Reinstall macOS

Hope it helps!

One other thought. If it is an M1 (Apple Silicon) Mac, then you get into Recovery by shutting down (force it by holding down power button until it shuts down).

Tap the power button then immediately hold it down until you see “Options”

Here is the complete Recovery procedures for both Intel and Apple Silicon. If you can't start up from macOS Recovery - Apple Support

The Start Menu would not be presented as the user Deleted to Operating System.

With no working Operating System there is nothing to be presented aside from the " Flashing Question Mark "

Connect the computer to the charger to make sure the battery has consistent Power

Follow the specific Instructions for @Barney-15E in earlier posting

That’s how you have to restart it. Turn it off, then turn it on. Hold down Cmd-R. Do not wait for the flashing question mark. If cmd-opt-r doesn’t get you to Internet Recovery, take it to an Apple Store or Authorized Repair Center.

Confirm that you have removed the activation lock from Find My.

Restart it and hold down cmd-r when you hear the tone.

Keep holding them down until you see an Apple or Globe.

If that fails, try cmd-opt-r.