Datastore Deletion Fails with "vSphere HA agent failed to quiesce file activity" Due to Unresponsive Host

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

• Attempting to delete or unmount a datastore fails with the error: "vSphere HA agent failed to quiesce file activity."
• The datastore is not in use by any active Virtual Machines, but the deletion task remains stuck or fails
• The affected host may be experiencing high CPU utilization (e.g., 99%) or is undergoing maintenance/firmware updates.

Environment

VMware vCenter Server 8.x
VMware vSphere ESXi 8.x

Cause

This issue occurs because vCenter is unable to communicate with the unresponsive ESXi host to release vSphere HA heartbeat locks or quiesce file activity on the target datastore.

Resolution

To resolve this issue, restore communication with the unresponsive host.