The answer is `vmkfstools --growfs` because this is the only VMware-supported command to expand a VMFS6 datastore after a LUN resize, as it grows the file system into the newly available unpartitioned space on the device without requiring a new partition or extent. Unlike VMFS5, which could use `fdisk` or `parted` to modify the partition table, VMFS6 strictly requires the `--growfs` flag to directly expand the file system on the existing block device, preserving the original partition layout and avoiding corruption. On the VMware Certified Professional Data Center Virtualization VCP-DCV exam, this question tests your understanding of VMFS6 storage management and the critical distinction between resizing a LUN and expanding the datastore—a common trap is confusing `--growfs` with `--extend` (used for adding a new extent) or attempting to repartition the disk. Remember the memory tip: "Grow the FS, not the partition" — for VMFS6, always use `--growfs` after a LUN resize.
VCP-DCV Configure and Manage vSphere Storage Practice Question
This VCP-DCV practice question tests your understanding of configure and manage vsphere storage. 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 needs to expand a VMFS6 datastore that is currently 2 TB in size. The LUN presented to the ESXi host has been expanded to 3 TB from the storage array. Which command should the administrator use to extend the datastore?
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.
The correct command is `vmkfstools --growfs` because it is the only VMware-supported method to expand a VMFS6 datastore after the underlying LUN has been resized. This command grows the file system to use the newly available unpartitioned space on the device, without requiring a new partition. The `--growfs` option specifically targets the VMFS file system, not the partition, which is essential for VMFS6 datastores.
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.
This command extends the VMFS datastore to the full LUN size.
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
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse the `esxcli storage vmfs` commands with the `vmkfstools` commands, mistakenly thinking `esxcli storage vmfs grow` is valid, or they assume `vmkfstools --extend` applies to datastores when it is actually for VMDK files.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The correct esxcli command is 'storage vmfs extend' but with different syntax.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
When a LUN is expanded on the storage array, the ESXi host sees the new capacity as unpartitioned space at the end of the device. The `vmkfstools --growfs` command modifies the VMFS file system metadata to incorporate this space, effectively increasing the datastore capacity without requiring a rescan or reboot. This operation is non-disruptive and can be performed online, but it requires that the device path (e.g., `/vmfs/devices/disks/naa.xxx`) points to the raw LUN, not a partition. In real-world scenarios, if the LUN is expanded but the partition table is not updated, `--growfs` will fail; the administrator must ensure the device is presented as a single partition (e.g., via `partedUtil` or by using a VMFS datastore created on a whole disk).
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Configure and Manage vSphere Storage — This question tests Configure and Manage vSphere Storage — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: vmkfstools --growfs /vmfs/devices/disks/naa.60050768018603e1b800000000000001 — The correct command is `vmkfstools --growfs` because it is the only VMware-supported method to expand a VMFS6 datastore after the underlying LUN has been resized. This command grows the file system to use the newly available unpartitioned space on the device, without requiring a new partition. The `--growfs` option specifically targets the VMFS file system, not the partition, which is essential for VMFS6 datastores.
What should I do if I get this VCP-DCV question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. An administrator runs vmkfstools on a VMFS datastore and receives the output shown. The datastore is backed by a single LUN from a SAN array. What is the most likely explanation for the multiple extents shown?
medium
A.The LUN was presented to the host with multiple paths, and each path is treated as a separate extent.
✓ B.The datastore was expanded by adding an extent from the same LUN.
C.The datastore is a VMFS6 datastore with three logical volumes aggregated into one namespace.
D.The virtual machine has a large VMDK file that spans multiple extents due to VMFS6 sub-block allocation.
Why B: When a VMFS datastore is expanded using the same LUN, vmkfstools can show multiple extents because the additional space is added as a separate extent on the same physical LUN. This is a common practice to grow a datastore without reprovisioning a new LUN, and the output reflects the original and expanded extents both pointing to the same LUN identifier.
Variation 2. A vSphere administrator has a VMFS6 datastore that is running low on space. The storage array has additional unallocated LUNs. The administrator attaches a new 2 TB LUN to the ESXi host. What is the correct procedure to increase the datastore capacity?
easy
✓ A.Use the 'Increase datastore capacity' wizard to add the LUN as an extent
B.Unmount the datastore, expand the VMFS partition, then remount
C.Recreate the datastore with a larger block size and restore from backup
D.Create a new datastore on the LUN and use Storage vMotion to migrate VMs
Why A: VMFS6 supports online extension by expanding the extent. Option B is correct. Option A (migrating VMs) is unnecessary. Option C (unmount and extend) is not required. Option D (convert to VMFS5) is wrong and would lose data.
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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