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

[JR_Canada]

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>').

[szymon_dybczak]

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.

[JR_Canada]

Hello @szymon_dybczak ,

I tried the SQL command, but no luck yet.

[Pat · Accepted solution]

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

[szymon_dybczak · Accepted solution]

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 😉

[JR_Canada]

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