Unable to replace default VM storage policy "Datastore default" for VMFS or NFS

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

When creating a VM you must select a storage policy for the datastore. It is important to note that  VMFS or NFS datastores cannot set a custom Default Storage Policy. However, we can set and change the Default Storage Policy on VVOLS or VSAN The 'Datastore Default' policy does not show up as modifiable in the vCenter UI on VMFS datastores. 

Environment

vCenter 7.x

vCenter 8.x

Cause

VMFS (block) and NFS (file mounted share) datastores do not have modifiable default policies, unlike vSAN and vVols. They use the generic "Datastore Default: or a custom policy you define for them.

Resolution

"You can create a VM storage policy that is compatible with vSAN or Virtual Volumes. You can then designate this policy as the default for vSAN and Virtual Volumes datastores. The user-defined default policy replaces the default storage policy that VMware provides."

Additional Information

Deprecation of VMware vSphere Virtual Volumes (vVols) in VCF 9.0 and VVF 9.0, 

"VMware vSphere Virtual Volumes (vVols) capabilities will be deprecated beginning with the release of VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) version 9.0 and VMware vSphere Foundation (VVF) version 9.0 and will be fully removed in VCF/VVF 9.1. As a result, all vVol certifications for VCF/VVF 9.0 will be discontinued effective immediately."