QuickBooks Printer Error Code -20 Solutions & Tips 2026

QuickBooks is a vital accounting tool for businesses, but encountering errors like QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code -20 can disrupt operations. If your printer isn’t responding or QuickBooks isn’t detecting it, don’t worry. This guide provides actionable solutions to fix QuickBooks printer issues, helping you resume smooth printing. Struggling with QuickBooks Printer Error Code -20? Get instant help from certified experts at +1-888-209-3999 and fix it fast. Common Causes of QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code -20 Understanding why the error occurs is the first step to fixing it. Some frequent causes include: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Outdated QuickBooks software – Running an old version can conflict with printer drivers. </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Printer driver issues – Corrupted or incompatible drivers prevent proper communication. </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Windows OS updates – Some updates can reset printer settings. </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Incorrect printer setup in QuickBooks – The software may not detect the active printer.</li> </ul> <h2>Step-by-Step Fix for QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code -20</h2> Follow these practical steps to resolve the printer error: <h3>1. Restart QuickBooks and Your Printer</h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Close QuickBooks completely. </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Turn off your printer and computer for a few minutes. </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Restart both devices and try printing again. </li> </ul> <h3>2. Update QuickBooks to the Latest Version</h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Open QuickBooks → Go to Help → Update QuickBooks Desktop. </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Click Update Now, then restart the program. </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Updating ensures compatibility with printers and prevents QuickBooks printer issues. </li> </ul> <h3>3. Set Your Printer as Default in Windows</h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Press Windows + R, type control printers, and hit Enter. </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Right-click your printer → Set as default printer. </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Open QuickBooks → Try printing a test page. </li> </ul> <h3>4. Reinstall Printer Drivers</h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Visit the manufacturer’s website for the latest driver. </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Uninstall the current printer driver via Device Manager → Printers. </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Install the downloaded driver and restart the system. </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">This solves conflicts that cause QuickBooks printer not activated errors. </li> </ul> <h3>5. Configure QuickBooks Printing Preferences</h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Open QuickBooks → File → Printer Setup. </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Select the correct printer and form type (e.g., Invoice, Check). </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Click OK, then attempt printing.</li> </ul> <h2>Advanced Solutions if Printer Still Doesn’t Work</h2> If the basic steps fail, try these: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Run QuickBooks Print & PDF Repair Tool – Detects and fixes printer-related problems automatically. </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Check Windows Firewall/Antivirus – Ensure it’s not blocking QuickBooks or printer services. </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Create a New Windows Admin User – Sometimes permissions cause printer detection issues. </li> </ul> Pro Tip: Always keep your QuickBooks and printer drivers updated to avoid future errors. <h2>Conclusion</h2> Experiencing QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code -20 can be frustrating, but it’s manageable with the right steps. From updating software to reinstalling drivers, following the above guide ensures a seamless printing experience. For expert guidance and immediate help, contact QuickBooks professionals at +1-888-209-3999. By addressing the QuickBooks printer error, you maintain smooth operations and avoid downtime in financial management tasks. <h2>FAQs</h2> <h3>1. Why is QuickBooks not detecting my printer?</h3> This often happens due to outdated drivers, incorrect QuickBooks printer setup, or Windows updates affecting printer settings. <h3>2. Can I fix QuickBooks printer errors without reinstalling the software?</h3> Yes, restarting QuickBooks, updating drivers, and configuring printer settings usually resolve the issue. <h3>3. Is there an automated tool for printer issues in QuickBooks?</h3> Yes, the QuickBooks Print & PDF Repair Tool can detect and fix printer errors efficiently. <h3>4. Who can help if the error persists?</h3> Certified QuickBooks support experts can resolve printer issues instantly. Call +1-888-209-3999 for live assistance. <h3>5. How can I prevent QuickBooks printer errors in the future?</h3> Regularly update QuickBooks, printer drivers, and ensure proper printer setup to avoid repeated errors.