Learn how to fix Error Code 20 when printer not activated on Windows 10 or Epson printers in QuickBooks. Dial +1-866-513-4656 for instant guidance.

For many QuickBooks users, nothing is more frustrating than seeing “Printer Not Activated – Error Code 20” just when you need to print an invoice, check, or report. This issue typically appears after a Windows update, printer driver change, or QuickBooks upgrade, leaving you unable to print or save PDFs.

Fix Error Code 20 When Printer Not Activated in QuickBooks with easy steps. Call +1-866-513-4656 for expert help with printing issues on Windows 10.

If you’re tired of repeated printing failures, this guide will help you fix Error Code 20 step by step. And if you’d prefer quick assistance from a QuickBooks expert, call +1-866-513-4656 for immediate help.

What Is Error Code 20 in QuickBooks?

Error Code 20, “Printer Not Activated,” usually indicates that QuickBooks or its integrated PDF converter cannot communicate with the default printer settings. This error prevents you from printing transactions, saving them as PDFs, or sending forms through email. The issue is common in QuickBooks Desktop and occasionally occurs in QuickBooks Online when using third-party printing plugins.

Causes of Printer Not Activated Error Code 20

Here are the main reasons why you may see this error:

1. Outdated or damaged QuickBooks PDF driver – The QuickBooks PDF converter driver may be missing, corrupted, or outdated after a Windows update.
2. Incorrect permission settings in the registry – If registry permissions restrict QuickBooks from accessing printer settings, printing will fail.
3. Faulty printer configuration – Incorrect default printer setup or disconnected printer devices often trigger printing conflicts.
4. Windows 10/11 update interference – After a major Windows update, QuickBooks Desktop may lose compatibility with system printer drivers.
5. Blocked services or background processes – Disabled services such as the Print Spooler or QuickBooks Print Manager can interrupt print requests.

How to Fix Error Code 20 When Printer Not Activated

Follow these step-by-step solutions to resolve the problem in QuickBooks Desktop and Online. Try them in order for best results.

Step 1: Verify Your Default Printer Settings

1. Open Control Panel from the Windows Start menu.
2. Go to Devices and Printers.
3. Ensure your actual printer is set as Default Printer (green check mark).
4. Right-click the printer and select Printer Properties > Print Test Page to confirm it’s working.
5. If the test page prints successfully, reopen QuickBooks and try printing again.

Step 2: Repair or Reinstall the QuickBooks PDF Converter

1. Press Windows + R and type appwiz.cpl, then press Enter.
2. Locate QuickBooks PDF Converter in the list.
3. Choose Repair if available, or uninstall and reinstall QuickBooks Desktop.
4. After reinstalling, reopen QuickBooks, go to File > Print Setup, and test print a form.

Step 3: Adjust Registry Permissions (for advanced users)

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to
3. HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG\Software\Apps\QuickBooks PDF Converter.
4. Right-click the folder and select Permissions.
5. Ensure Full Control is enabled for Users.
6. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

Note: If you’re not confident editing the registry, call +1-866-513-4656 for professional assistance to avoid system issues.

Step 4: Restart Print Spooler and QuickBooks Services

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Scroll down to Print Spooler, right-click it, and choose Restart.
3. Repeat the same for QuickBooks DBXX (where XX represents your version year).
4. Open QuickBooks again and print a sample bill or report.

Step 5: Reinstall or Update Your Printer Driver

1. In Control Panel, select Devices and Printers.
2. Right-click your printer and choose Remove device.
3. Download the latest driver from your printer manufacturer’s website (e.g., Epson, HP, or Canon).
4. Install the driver, restart your computer, and attempt printing in QuickBooks again.

Step 6: Reset QuickBooks Print Settings (Desktop Only)

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Go to File > Printer Setup.
3. Select the form (e.g., Invoice, Check) and click OK to reset settings.
4. Try printing again to verify if the issue persists.

Prevention Tips 

To avoid “Printer Not Activated - Error Code 20” in the future:

• Keep your QuickBooks Desktop and Windows OS fully updated.
• Regularly update printer drivers and PDF converters.
• Avoid renaming or moving QuickBooks installation folders.
• Run QuickBooks as Administrator after major updates.
• Reboot your system weekly to refresh services and spooler processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What does “Printer Not Activated Error Code 20” mean?

It means QuickBooks or your default printer driver cannot communicate, preventing you from printing or saving forms as PDF.

Q2: Does Error Code 20 only appear in QuickBooks Desktop?

Mostly yes. It’s common in QuickBooks Desktop versions, but some users of QuickBooks Online experience it when using PDF plug-ins.

Q3: Will reinstalling QuickBooks fix the issue?

Yes, reinstalling QuickBooks Desktop often restores missing print drivers and registry permissions, resolving Error 20.

Q4: Can Windows updates cause Error Code 20?

Yes, after updating to Windows 10 or 11, the QuickBooks PDF converter may become incompatible until drivers are refreshed.

Q5: What if my Epson or HP printer shows this error even outside QuickBooks?

That suggests a driver or registry issue at the system level. Reinstalling or updating the printer driver usually resolves it.

Get Expert Help

If you’ve tried all the methods above and still face the “Printer Not Activated Error Code 20” message, it may require tailored troubleshooting. You can speak to a QuickBooks expert at +1-866-513-4656 for personalized assistance restoring your printing features quickly and safely.