Use the esxcli command to verify whether a particular storage device is thin-provisioned.

In the procedure, --server=server_name specifies the target server. The specified target server prompts you for a user name and password. Other connection options, such as a configuration file or session file, are supported. For a list of connection options, see Getting Started with vSphere Command-Line Interfaces.

Prerequisites

Install vCLI or deploy the vSphere Management Assistant (vMA) virtual machine. See Getting Started with vSphere Command-Line Interfaces. For troubleshooting, run esxcli commands in the ESXi Shell.

Procedure

  • ♦ Run the esxcli --server=server_name storage core device list -d=device_ID command.

Results

The following thin provisioning status indicates that the storage device is thin-provisioned. 
# esxcli --server=server_name storage core device list -d naa.XXXXXXXXXXXX4c
naa.XXXXXXXXXXXX4c
 Display Name: XXXX Fibre Channel Disk(naa.XXXXXXXXXXXX4c)
 Size: 20480
 Device Type: Direct-Access
 Multipath Plugin: NMP
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 Thin Provisioning Status: yes
 Attached Filters: VAAI_FILTER
 VAAI Status: supported
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An unknown status indicates that a storage device is thick.
Note: Some storage systems present all devices as thin-provisioned no matter whether the devices are thin or thick. Their thin provisioning status is always yes. For details, check with your storage vendor.