Quick Answer
The answer is to configure log export and auto-deletion in Log Settings. This is correct because Palo Alto Networks firewalls allow administrators to set retention policies that automatically delete old log files when disk usage reaches a defined threshold, such as 85%, while also enabling export to an external syslog server for archival. The underlying mechanism ties log aging directly to storage pressure, so the firewall purges the oldest logs first without disabling logging or requiring manual cleanup. On the PCNSE exam, this scenario tests your understanding of operational maintenance under PAN-OS, often appearing as a distractor against disabling logging entirely or relying on manual deletion. A common trap is assuming you must stop logging to free space, but the correct approach uses the built-in auto-deletion feature within the Log Settings tab. Memory tip: think "export and expire"—if you export logs off-box, you can safely set a low retention threshold to keep disk usage in check.
This PCNSE practice question tests your understanding of manage, monitor and operate. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
An administrator receives an alert that a firewall's disk usage is at 85%. The administrator wants to reduce disk usage by automatically deleting older log files. Which action should be taken?
Add an external disk to the firewall
Why wrong: Not all firewalls support external disk; automatic deletion is better.
Configure log export and auto-deletion in Log Settings
Log Settings allow automatic deletion of old logs.
Disable logging for non-critical traffic
Why wrong: Disabling logging may impact security visibility.
Manually delete logs from the CLI
Why wrong: Manual deletion is not automatic.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Configure log export and auto-deletion in Log Settings
Option B is correct because the firewall's log settings allow administrators to configure automatic log export and auto-deletion policies. By enabling log export to an external server (e.g., syslog) and setting a retention period or disk usage threshold, the firewall will automatically purge older log files when disk usage reaches a specified limit, such as 85%. This directly addresses the need to reduce disk usage without manual intervention or disabling logging.
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.
Add an external disk to the firewall
Why it's wrong here
Not all firewalls support external disk; automatic deletion is better.
Configure log export and auto-deletion in Log Settings
Why this is correct
Log Settings allow automatic deletion of old logs.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Disable logging for non-critical traffic
Why it's wrong here
Disabling logging may impact security visibility.
Manually delete logs from the CLI
Why it's wrong here
Manual deletion is not automatic.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may confuse 'adding external storage' (Option A) as a solution for disk usage, but the question specifically asks for automatic deletion of older logs, not just expanding capacity.
Detailed technical explanation
The firewall's log auto-deletion feature works by monitoring disk usage and applying configurable retention policies based on log age (in days) or maximum disk percentage. When the threshold is exceeded, the firewall deletes the oldest log files first, ensuring that recent logs are preserved. This mechanism is part of the log settings under Device > Log Settings, where administrators can also configure log export to external collectors like Panorama or syslog servers, enabling off-site storage and compliance with data retention requirements.
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 PCNSE 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
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FAQ
Manage, Monitor and Operate — This question tests Manage, Monitor and Operate — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Configure log export and auto-deletion in Log Settings — Option B is correct because the firewall's log settings allow administrators to configure automatic log export and auto-deletion policies. By enabling log export to an external server (e.g., syslog) and setting a retention period or disk usage threshold, the firewall will automatically purge older log files when disk usage reaches a specified limit, such as 85%. This directly addresses the need to reduce disk usage without manual intervention or disabling logging.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This PCNSE practice question is part of Courseiva's free Palo Alto Networks 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 PCNSE exam.
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