iMac blinking question mark and folder
If my iMac shows a blinking folder and question mark, how do I fix it?
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See: If your Mac starts up to a question mark
A folder with a flashing question mark means that your startup disk is no longer available or doesn't contain a working Mac operating system.
If the question mark appears only momentarily before your Mac starts up normally:
- Reset NVRAM.
- Make sure that your preferred startup disk is selected in Startup Disk preferences.
If the question mark persists, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the power button on your Mac for up to 10 seconds, until your Mac turns off.
- Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold Command (⌘) and R to start up from macOS Recovery.
- While in macOS Recovery, use Disk Utility to repair your startup disk.
- If Disk Utility found no errors or repaired all errors, reinstall macOS.
- If you still need help, please contact Apple Support.