MacBook Pro (2013) with Monterey iOS displays folder icon with question mark on startup

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Level 1

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MacBook Pro (2013) with Monterey iOS displays folder icon with question mark on startup

I need help fixing my MacBook Pro. It seems like it needs a new macOS installation. Every time I try to start the device, it shows a folder icon with a question mark. My macbook was a 2013, Monterey IOS

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.12

Posted on Jul 29, 2025 01:57 AM

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Answer 1

WheelieNick

Level 8

45,425 points

Jul 29, 2025 03:03 AM in response to moussa271

Please try this steps to resolve the issue

Start up from macOS Recovery.
While in Recovery, use Disk Utility to repair your startup disk. Then proceed based on the results:

- If Disk Utility finds no errors or repairs all errors, restart your Mac by choosing Apple menu  > Restart. If the question mark returns after restarting, start up from Recovery again, then reinstall macOS from Recovery.
- If Disk Utility finds errors that it can't repair, use Disk Utility to erase (format) the disk. Then reinstall macOS from Recovery.
- If your startup disk doesn't appear in Disk Utility, or Disk Utility reports that the erase process failed, your Mac or startup disk might need service. Shut down your Mac and unplug all nonessential devices, then try once more. If your startup disk is an external storage device, check its cable, connections, and power as well.

If the question mark appears only briefly before your Mac starts up normally, make sure that your startup disk is selected in Startup Disk settings. If that doesn't help, reset NVRAM and check the setting again.

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