The correct action is to replace existing disks in each host with larger capacity disks and claim them to the same disk group. This works because vSAN capacity expansion is achieved by either adding new disk groups or adding disks to existing disk groups, provided there are available slots; swapping disks for larger ones directly increases the datastore’s usable capacity without requiring additional hosts. On the VCP-DCV exam, this concept tests your understanding that vSAN disk groups are host-local—you cannot combine disks from different hosts into one group or extend a group across hosts. A common trap is assuming you can simply add a new VMFS datastore or merge disks across hosts, but vSAN capacity is strictly tied to each host’s own disk groups. Memory tip: think “swap, don’t span”—replace disks within the same host’s group rather than trying to stretch capacity across hosts.
VCP-DCV vSphere Architecture, Products and Solutions Practice Question
This VCP-DCV practice question tests your understanding of vsphere architecture, products and solutions. 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.
An administrator is planning a storage upgrade for a vSphere cluster. The cluster currently uses VMware vSAN as the primary datastore. The administrator wants to add capacity to the vSAN datastore without adding additional hosts. Which action should the administrator take?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Replace existing disks in each host with larger capacity disks and claim them to the same disk group
Replacing disks with larger ones increases vSAN capacity; the disks must be in the correct disk group.
B
Combine disks from different hosts into a single disk group
Why wrong: Disk groups are host-local; cannot span hosts.
C
Add a new disk group on each host with additional capacity disks
Why wrong: This could increase capacity, but the host must have available slots; however, the question says without adding hosts, so adding disk groups on existing hosts is valid.
D
Add a new VMFS datastore and use Storage vMotion to move VMs
Why wrong: This adds storage but not to vSAN datastore.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Replace existing disks in each host with larger capacity disks and claim them to the same disk group
Option C is correct because vSAN capacity can be increased by adding more disk groups or adding disks to existing disk groups (if slots are available). Option A is incorrect because adding a new vSphere datastore (e.g., VMFS) does not increase vSAN capacity unless migrated. Option B is incorrect because combining disks from different hosts in one disk group is not possible; each host has its own disk groups. Option D is incorrect because extending a disk group across hosts is not supported.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Replace existing disks in each host with larger capacity disks and claim them to the same disk group
Why this is correct
Replacing disks with larger ones increases vSAN capacity; the disks must be in the correct disk group.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Combine disks from different hosts into a single disk group
Why it's wrong here
Disk groups are host-local; cannot span hosts.
✗
Add a new disk group on each host with additional capacity disks
Why it's wrong here
This could increase capacity, but the host must have available slots; however, the question says without adding hosts, so adding disk groups on existing hosts is valid.
✗
Add a new VMFS datastore and use Storage vMotion to move VMs
Why it's wrong here
This adds storage but not to vSAN datastore.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the VCP-DCV 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which VCP-DCV exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
vSphere Architecture, Products and Solutions — This question tests vSphere Architecture, Products and Solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Replace existing disks in each host with larger capacity disks and claim them to the same disk group — Option C is correct because vSAN capacity can be increased by adding more disk groups or adding disks to existing disk groups (if slots are available). Option A is incorrect because adding a new vSphere datastore (e.g., VMFS) does not increase vSAN capacity unless migrated. Option B is incorrect because combining disks from different hosts in one disk group is not possible; each host has its own disk groups. Option D is incorrect because extending a disk group across hosts is not supported.
What should I do if I get this VCP-DCV question wrong?
Identify which VCP-DCV exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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