"Commission Host" option is missing in SDDC Manager UI for VCF on VxRail environments

Products

• VMware SDDC Manager / VCF Installer

Issue/Introduction

In a VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) on VxRail environment, the "Commission Host" option is missing or hidden in the SDDC Manager UI. Users attempting to expand their cluster or add new hosts may find they are unable to locate this option in the SDDC Manager interface, leading to concerns that a feature is broken or blocked.

Environment

• VMware SDDC Manager 5.x

Cause

This behavior is by design. In VCF on VxRail environments, host lifecycle management, node discovery, and cluster expansion operations are tightly coupled with the Dell hardware stack. Consequently these operations are managed exclusively through the VxRail Manager plugin in vSphere Client, the "Commission Host" UI button is intentionally hidden in the SDDC Manager UI to prevent configuration conflicts.

Resolution

The missing button is expected behavior and not a fault in SDDC Manager. Reference: Expand the VxRail Cluster

To proceed with adding hosts to your VCF on VxRail cluster, use the VxRail Manager plugin via the vSphere Client:

1. Log in to the vSphere Client.
2. Navigate to the VxRail Manager plugin. Dell documentation: VxRail cluster expansion
3. Perform the host discovery and cluster expansion workflow through the plugin interface. 
4. Contact Dell support for additional queries.