Storage DRS initiates migrations despite cluster being set to Manual mode

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

This article explains why Storage DRS (SDRS) may continue to trigger automated Storage vMotion tasks even when the Datastore Cluster automation level is configured as "Manual" (No Automation).

Symptoms:

• Automated migration tasks appear in the vCenter task console for a cluster set to Manual.
• The "Run Storage DRS" manual action is not being initiated by an administrator, yet tasks proceed automatically.

Environment

VMware vCenter Server 8.x

Cause

The primary cause for this behavior is VM-level Automation Overrides. Even if the Datastore Cluster is set to Manual, individual virtual machines can have their own automation settings that override the cluster default.

If a VM's override is set to Fully Automated, SDRS will act upon recommendations for that specific VM without manual intervention. This is often configured during provisioning or by specific management workflows 

Resolution

To stop automated migrations, you must ensure no VM-level overrides are conflicting with the cluster settings:

1. Navigate to the Datastore Cluster in the vSphere Client.
2. Click the Configure tab and select VM Overrides under the Configuration section.
3. Check the Automation Level column for any VMs listed.
4. Modify or remove overrides that are set to Fully Automated if you wish for the cluster to remain strictly manual.

Note: Disabling and Enabling SDRS on a Datastore cluster will not remove the VM overrides

Additional Information

Change Storage DRS Automation Level for a Virtual Machine