Quick Answer
The answer is multiple datastores in a datastore cluster, along with vMotion, because Storage DRS relies on having a pool of shared storage resources to balance I/O load and space usage across datastores, and vMotion provides the live migration mechanism needed to move virtual machine files between those datastores without downtime. On the VMware Certified Professional Data Center Virtualization VCP-DCV exam, this requirement tests your understanding that Storage DRS is fundamentally a cluster-level feature—it cannot function with a single datastore, as there would be nothing to balance. A common trap is confusing optional features like Storage I/O Control (SIOC) or storage policies as prerequisites; they are not required, though they enhance functionality. To remember, think of Storage DRS as needing both a “team” of datastores (the cluster) and a “player transfer” method (vMotion) to work.
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.
Which TWO of the following are required for vSphere Storage DRS to function?
VM storage policies defined
Why wrong: Storage policies are not required for basic Storage DRS.
VASA provider registered
Why wrong: VASA is optional for policy-based placement.
vMotion enabled on the hosts
vMotion is used to move VMs between datastores.
Multiple datastores in a datastore cluster
Storage DRS balances across datastores within a cluster.
SIOC enabled on each datastore
Why wrong: SIOC is optional for I/O metrics.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
vMotion enabled on the hosts
Storage DRS requires multiple datastores in a datastore cluster and vMotion to migrate VMs between them. SIOC, VASA, and storage policies are optional.
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.
VM storage policies defined
Why it's wrong here
Storage policies are not required for basic Storage DRS.
VASA provider registered
Why it's wrong here
VASA is optional for policy-based placement.
vMotion enabled on the hosts
Why this is correct
vMotion is used to move VMs between datastores.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Multiple datastores in a datastore cluster
Why this is correct
Storage DRS balances across datastores within a cluster.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
SIOC enabled on each datastore
Why it's wrong here
SIOC is optional for I/O metrics.
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.
Configure and Manage vSphere Storage — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Configure and Manage vSphere Storage — This question tests Configure and Manage vSphere Storage — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: vMotion enabled on the hosts — Storage DRS requires multiple datastores in a datastore cluster and vMotion to migrate VMs between them. SIOC, VASA, and storage policies are optional.
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.
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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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