Quick Answer
The answer is `du -sh /*` because it recursively calculates disk usage for each top-level directory and file under root, summarizing sizes in human-readable format to directly identify the largest files or directories consuming space. The `-s` flag provides a total per argument, while `/*` targets all immediate children of `/`, making it the most efficient command for pinpointing space hogs when disk space is critically low. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your ability to troubleshoot storage issues using core disk utilities, often contrasting `du` with `df` (which shows filesystem-level usage, not per-directory). A common trap is choosing `du -h` without `-s`, which floods output with every subdirectory; remember that `-s` is your “summary” savior. Memory tip: “DU for directories, S for summary, star-slash for the stash.”
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of system management. 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 system administrator notices that a server's disk space is critically low. Which command should be used to identify the largest files or directories consuming 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.
ls -la /
Why wrong: Lists files but does not aggregate recursively.
fdisk -l
Why wrong: Displays partition table, not file sizes.
df -h
Why wrong: Shows filesystem-level usage, not per-directory details.
du -sh /*
Summarizes disk usage for each top-level directory in human-readable format.
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 /*
Option D is correct because `du -sh /*` recursively calculates disk usage for each top-level directory and file under root, summarizing sizes in human-readable format. This directly identifies the largest space consumers, which is the stated goal. The `-s` flag provides a total per argument, and `/*` targets all immediate children of `/`.
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 does not aggregate recursively.
fdisk -l
Why it's wrong here
Displays partition table, not file sizes.
df -h
Why it's wrong here
Shows filesystem-level usage, not per-directory details.
du -sh /*
Why this is correct
Summarizes disk usage for each top-level directory in human-readable format.
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.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse `df -h` (filesystem-level usage) with `du` (directory-level usage), mistakenly thinking `df` can identify specific large files or directories when it only shows aggregate mount-point consumption.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows filesystem-level usage, not per-directory details.
Detailed technical explanation
The `du` command reads the directory tree via the `stat` system call to accumulate block counts, and `-h` converts to KiB/MiB/GiB. A subtle behavior: `du` by default counts hard-linked files multiple times unless `-l` is used, and `/*` may skip hidden directories (dotfiles) unless `.*` is also included. In real-world scenarios, `/var/log` or `/tmp` often balloon unexpectedly, and `du -sh /*` quickly pinpoints the culprit before using `du -sh /var/*` to drill down.
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.
System Management — study guide chapter
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FAQ
System Management — This question tests System Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: du -sh /* — Option D is correct because `du -sh /*` recursively calculates disk usage for each top-level directory and file under root, summarizing sizes in human-readable format. This directly identifies the largest space consumers, which is the stated goal. The `-s` flag provides a total per argument, and `/*` targets all immediate children of `/`.
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 11, 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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