Quick Answer
The answer is Storage vMotion. This vSphere feature enables a live migration of a powered-on virtual machine’s files from one datastore to another with zero downtime, as it transfers disk and configuration files while the VM continues to run. Unlike vMotion, which migrates compute resources between hosts, Storage vMotion specifically handles storage relocation, making it the correct tool when the goal is to move VM data without interrupting operations. On the VCP-DCV exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between core vSphere features: vMotion for compute, Storage vMotion for storage, vSphere Replication for disaster recovery, and Storage DRS for ongoing load balancing—but note that Storage DRS itself relies on Storage vMotion to perform migrations. A common trap is confusing Storage DRS (which automates placement) with the manual migration action. Memory tip: think “vMotion for the brain (compute), Storage vMotion for the files (storage).”
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 needs to migrate a powered-on VM from one datastore to another without any downtime. Which vSphere feature should be used?
Storage DRS
Why wrong: Automates initial placement but requires Storage vMotion for migration.
Storage vMotion
Migrates VM files with zero downtime.
vSphere Replication
Why wrong: For disaster recovery, not live migration.
vSphere vMotion
Why wrong: vMotion migrates compute, not storage.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Storage vMotion
Option B is correct. Storage vMotion allows live migration of VM files while the VM remains powered on. vMotion migrates compute. vSphere Replication is for DR. Storage DRS balances storage but does not directly migrate without downtime.
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.
Storage DRS
Why it's wrong here
Automates initial placement but requires Storage vMotion for migration.
Storage vMotion
Why this is correct
Migrates VM files with zero downtime.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
vSphere Replication
Why it's wrong here
For disaster recovery, not live migration.
vSphere vMotion
Why it's wrong here
vMotion migrates compute, not storage.
Common exam traps
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
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.
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 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
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.
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FAQ
vSphere Architecture, Products and Solutions — This question tests vSphere Architecture, Products and Solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Storage vMotion — Option B is correct. Storage vMotion allows live migration of VM files while the VM remains powered on. vMotion migrates compute. vSphere Replication is for DR. Storage DRS balances storage but does not directly migrate without downtime.
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.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
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 needs to migrate a running VM from one datastore to another without any downtime. Which vSphere feature allows this?
easyWhy B: Storage vMotion migrates VM storage while the VM is running, with no downtime.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This VCP-DCV practice question is part of Courseiva's free VMware 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 VCP-DCV exam.
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