Quick Answer
The answer is `du -sh /*`, which is the correct command to locate large files when the root filesystem is full. This command works by calculating disk usage for every top-level directory and file directly under `/`, with the `-s` flag providing a total for each item and `-h` outputting sizes in human-readable format like gigabytes or megabytes, making it easy to identify space hogs at a glance. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this tests your ability to troubleshoot filesystem capacity issues using standard GNU utilities, often appearing in performance and storage management scenarios where `df -h` shows 100% usage but doesn’t pinpoint the culprit. A common trap is using `du -sh *` without the leading slash, which only checks the current working directory, not the root; always remember the slash to scan the entire filesystem. Memory tip: think “slash star” as “start from the root star”—it forces a full scan from the top.
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of troubleshooting. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 server's root filesystem is 100% full according to df -h. Which command should the administrator use to locate large files?
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.
ls -la /
Why wrong: Lists files but not sizes of directories.
fdisk -l
Why wrong: Shows partition table, not file sizes.
du -sh /*
Shows sizes of top-level directories.
find / -size +100M
Why wrong: Finds files larger than 100MB, but directory overview is faster.
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 /*
The `du -sh /*` command calculates disk usage for each top-level directory and file under `/`, summarizing the total in human-readable format. This directly identifies which directories or files consume the most space, allowing the administrator to pinpoint the cause of the 100% full root filesystem.
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.
ls -la /
Why it's wrong here
Lists files but not sizes of directories.
fdisk -l
Why it's wrong here
Shows partition table, not file sizes.
du -sh /*
Why this is correct
Shows sizes of top-level directories.
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.
find / -size +100M
Why it's wrong here
Finds files larger than 100MB, but directory overview is faster.
Common exam traps
CompTIA often tests the distinction between listing files (`ls`) and measuring disk usage (`du`), trapping candidates who think `ls -la` shows file sizes that reflect actual disk consumption, ignoring that `ls` reports logical size while `du` reports physical blocks allocated.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows partition table, not file sizes.
Detailed technical explanation
The `du` command traverses the filesystem and reads the `st_blocks` field from the inode (typically 512-byte blocks) to calculate actual disk usage, which can differ from file size due to sparse files or block allocation. The `-s` flag provides a single summary per argument, and `-h` converts the block count into human-readable units (e.g., GiB, MiB). In a real-world scenario, a runaway log file or a large database directory might be hidden deep in a subdirectory, and `du -sh /*` quickly reveals the top-level culprit, after which the administrator can drill down with `du -sh /path/*`.
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
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Troubleshooting practice questions
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All XK0-005 questions
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CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 study guide
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XK0-005 practice test guide
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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 /* — The `du -sh /*` command calculates disk usage for each top-level directory and file under `/`, summarizing the total in human-readable format. This directly identifies which directories or files consume the most space, allowing the administrator to pinpoint the cause of the 100% full root filesystem.
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 30, 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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