topic Re: Why I can't create a new catalog anymore in Free edition anymore,? in Databricks Free Edition Help

Why I can't create a new catalog anymore in Free edition anymore,?

JR_Canada — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 04:29:41 GMT

I am new with Databricks and using the FREE edition of Databricks since last November 2025. I was able to create new catalog in December '25. But today, while trying to create a new catalog in the FREE edition, I am getting this erorr:

Metastore storage root URL does not exist. Default Storage is enabled in your account. You can use the UI to create a new catalog using Default Storage, or please provide a storage location for the catalog (for example 'CREATE CATALOG myCatalog MANAGED LOCATION '<location-path>').

Re: Why I can't create a new catalog anymore in Free edition anymore,?

szymon_dybczak — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 16:54:22 GMT

Hi @JR_Canada ,

Yep, I noticed it too recently. For now the workaround is to create catalog using SQL. Open notebook and execute following code

CREATE CATALOG your_catalog_name

I think this issue soon will be resolved, but until then use above workaround.

Re: Why I can't create a new catalog anymore in Free edition anymore,?

JR_Canada — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 17:54:26 GMT

Hello @szymon_dybczak ,

I tried the SQL command, but no luck yet.

Re: Why I can't create a new catalog anymore in Free edition anymore,?

Pat — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 22:18:47 GMT

Were you able to create it? It does work with SQL, you might need to click refresh button:

Re: Why I can't create a new catalog anymore in Free edition anymore,?

szymon_dybczak — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 06:59:01 GMT

Hi @JR_Canada ,

Like @Pat sugested - try to refresh your catalogs. I tried this option myself and it works. Also, there was another thread with exact same issue and this approach also worked there 😉

Re: Why I can't create a new catalog anymore in Free edition anymore,?

JR_Canada — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 15:33:44 GMT

Thanks @Pat and @szymon_dybczak for your tips, it worked.