Quick Answer
The answer is `du -sh /*`. This command is the correct choice because it calculates disk usage for each top-level directory directly under the root filesystem, with the `-s` flag providing a summary for each directory and `-h` displaying sizes in human-readable formats like gigabytes or megabytes. By running this, a system administrator can quickly identify which directories are consuming the most space, pinpointing the source of a 95% capacity issue on the root filesystem. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your ability to troubleshoot disk space problems efficiently; a common trap is using `df -h` instead, which shows filesystem-level usage but not the specific directories causing the hog. Remember the memory tip: "du digs into directories, df shows filesystems" — so when you need to find disk space hogs, always reach for `du -sh /*` to see the biggest culprits at a glance.
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of troubleshooting. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A system administrator notices that the root filesystem is at 95% capacity. Which command should be used to identify the directories consuming the most space?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
df -h
Why wrong: Shows filesystem usage, not directory sizes.
du -sh /*
Shows size of each top-level directory.
fdisk -l
Why wrong: Shows partition table, not directory sizes.
ls -la /
Why wrong: Lists files, not sizes recursively.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
du -sh /*
B is correct because `du -sh /*` calculates disk usage for each top-level directory under root, showing human-readable sizes. This directly identifies which directories consume the most space, allowing the administrator to pinpoint the source of the 95% capacity issue.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
df -h
Why it's wrong here
Shows filesystem usage, not directory sizes.
du -sh /*
Why this is correct
Shows size of each top-level directory.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
fdisk -l
Why it's wrong here
Shows partition table, not directory sizes.
ls -la /
Why it's wrong here
Lists files, not sizes recursively.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse `df -h` (filesystem-level overview) with `du -sh` (directory-level detail), mistakenly thinking `df` can pinpoint which directories are consuming space.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows filesystem usage, not directory sizes.
Detailed technical explanation
The `du` command traverses the filesystem inode tree, summing block counts for each file and directory. Using `-s` (summarize) and `-h` (human-readable) with `/*` restricts the scan to immediate children of root, avoiding recursion into subdirectories. In practice, common space hogs include `/var/log`, `/tmp`, or `/home`, which `du -sh /*` will quickly reveal.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the XK0-005 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Troubleshooting — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Troubleshooting practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All XK0-005 questions
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CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 study guide
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XK0-005 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
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FAQ
Troubleshooting — This question tests Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: du -sh /* — B is correct because `du -sh /*` calculates disk usage for each top-level directory under root, showing human-readable sizes. This directly identifies which directories consume the most space, allowing the administrator to pinpoint the source of the 95% capacity issue.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
This XK0-005 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the XK0-005 exam.
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