QuickBooks Printing Error Code Guide for Smooth Invoice and Report Printing

If you’re trying to print invoices, checks, reports, or forms and suddenly see QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code -20, don’t worry—you’re not alone. This printing error is common in QuickBooks Desktop, and it usually happens because of Windows permissions, printer driver issues, or damaged QuickBooks components. Having QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code -20? Learn causes and fixes with expert steps. Call +1-888-209-3999 for QuickBooks support. In this guide, we’ll explain why this error happens and how you can fix it step-by-step. We’ll also share expert troubleshooting tips to help you avoid this issue in the future. <h2>Why QuickBooks Error Code -20 Happens</h2> When QuickBooks fails to communicate with your printer or Windows printing services, it throws QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code -20. This error often appears while printing: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Invoices </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Pay stubs </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Checks </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Reports </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">PDF forms </li> </ul> The issue is frustrating because everything may look fine—your printer works, your PDF prints normally, but QuickBooks refuses to print. The good news? This error is fixable with the right approach. <h2>What Causes QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code -20?</h2> This error is usually triggered due to Windows or QuickBooks configuration issues. Below are the most common causes: <h3>Common Reasons Behind Error -20</h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Corrupted or missing PDF converter driver </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Damaged QuickBooks Print & PDF Repair components </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Incorrect Windows printer permissions </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Outdated QuickBooks Desktop version </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Printer driver conflicts </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Windows updates interfering with printing setup </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">QuickBooks installation file corruption </li> </ul> Even one missing PDF component can block printing completely. <h2>Quick Fix Checklist Before Advanced Troubleshooting</h2> Before jumping into technical steps, try these quick checks: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Restart QuickBooks Desktop </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Restart your computer </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Turn off printer and turn it back on </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Ensure printer is set as default </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Print a test page from Windows </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Check if you can print outside QuickBooks </li> </ul> If Windows prints fine but QuickBooks doesn’t, the issue is likely inside QuickBooks PDF components. <h2>Step-by-Step Fixes for QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code -20</h2> Below are the best working solutions trusted by QuickBooks experts. <h2>Solution 1: Run QuickBooks Tool Hub (Recommended)</h2> The easiest way to fix QuickBooks Desktop printing issue is using QuickBooks Tool Hub. <h3>Steps:</h3> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Download QuickBooks Tool Hub from Intuit official source </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Install it and open the program </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Click Program Problems </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Select Quick Fix My Program </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Restart QuickBooks Desktop </li> </ol> This often resolves damaged internal components instantly. <h2>Solution 2: Use Print & PDF Repair Tool</h2> If your problem is specifically related to PDF printing, QuickBooks has a built-in repair option. <h3>Steps:</h3> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Open QuickBooks Tool Hub </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Go to Program Problems </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Click QuickBooks PDF & Print Repair Tool </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Wait until the repair completes </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Restart your PC and try printing again </li> </ol> This method is highly effective when the PDF converter is missing or blocked. <h2>Solution 3: Reinstall Microsoft XPS Document Writer</h2> QuickBooks relies on Windows printing services such as XPS. If XPS is damaged, you’ll face QuickBooks printing error frequently. <h3>Steps to Fix:</h3> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Open Control Panel </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Click Programs and Features </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Select Turn Windows features on or off </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Find Microsoft XPS Document Writer </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Disable it and restart the computer </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Enable it again and restart </li> </ol> After this, test QuickBooks printing again. <h2>Solution 4: Update QuickBooks Desktop to the Latest Release</h2> An outdated version can trigger printing bugs, especially after Windows updates. <h3>Steps:</h3> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Open QuickBooks Desktop </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Go to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Click Update Now </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Select Get Updates </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Restart QuickBooks after the update </li> </ol> Updating can remove hidden conflicts and restore printing features. <h2>Solution 5: Repair QuickBooks Installation</h2> If the error is caused by missing QuickBooks program files, repairing the installation is necessary. <h3>Steps:</h3> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Open Control Panel </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Go to Programs and Features </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Find QuickBooks Desktop </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Click Uninstall/Change </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Select Repair </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Follow on-screen instructions and restart your system </li> </ol> This method is extremely useful for stubborn cases of Fix QuickBooks printer error. <h2>Solution 6: Check Windows Permissions & Run as Admin</h2> Sometimes QuickBooks cannot access printer services because of limited Windows permissions. <h3>Steps:</h3> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Close QuickBooks </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Right-click QuickBooks icon </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Select Run as Administrator </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Try printing again </li> </ol> If this works, your user account permissions may need correction. <h2>When Should You Call QuickBooks Printer Support?</h2> If you’ve tried the fixes above and still face QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code -20, it’s time to connect with a professional. Some cases involve: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Deep Windows registry conflicts </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Corrupted PDF driver installation </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">QuickBooks components failing repeatedly </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Printer spooler service crashing </li> </ul> <h2>Final Thoughts</h2> The QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code -20 can feel like a major headache, but it’s often caused by fixable issues like damaged PDF drivers, outdated QuickBooks software, or Windows printing conflicts. By using QuickBooks Tool Hub, repairing PDF components, and updating QuickBooks Desktop, you can restore printing quickly. If you want fast resolution without wasting hours troubleshooting, expert help is the best option. QuickBooks Support Helpline: +1-888-209-3999 <h2>FAQs</h2> <h3>1. What is QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code -20?</h3> It’s a printing error in QuickBooks Desktop that prevents users from printing reports, invoices, or PDF documents due to PDF converter or printer driver issues. <ol start="2"> <li> Why does QuickBooks show printer not activated error -20?</li> </ol> It usually occurs because of damaged PDF components, missing XPS services, outdated QuickBooks versions, or corrupted printer drivers. <ol start="3"> <li> Can QuickBooks Tool Hub fix error code -20?</li> </ol> Yes, using QuickBooks PDF & Print Repair Tool inside Tool Hub fixes most cases of QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code -20. <ol start="4"> <li> Does reinstalling the printer driver help?</li> </ol> Yes. If the printer driver is corrupted or incompatible, reinstalling it can solve the QuickBooks Desktop printing issue quickly. <ol start="5"> <li> How do I repair QuickBooks PDF component issues?</li> </ol> You can repair them using the QuickBooks PDF component repair tool available in QuickBooks Tool Hub. <ol start="6"> <li> What if the error continues even after repair?</li> </ol> If the issue persists, you may need advanced Windows repair, registry corrections, or a full QuickBooks reinstall. For quick assistance, call +1-888-209-3999.