# Practical Fixes for QuickBooks Printer not Activated Error Code -20

If you are facing a problem in using the software due to a [QuickBooks printer not activated error code -20](https://asquarecloudhosting.com/quickbooks-printer-not-activated-error-code-20/). This blog can help you understand and resolve it. For this, we have highlighted several sections explaining the causes and solutions.


For instance, problems with the Windows registry, improper setup of the QB PDF converter, and incompatible QB versions can be considered for this issue.
To get in-depth information about the problem, take a long jump into the page and recover your QB functionality.

## Main Contributors to the QB Printer not Activated error -20

If you have understood what QB error -20 is, it is important to understand what leads to it. Some of them are mentioned below:

* You might have set the wrong printer as the default printer, which might lead to such an issue.
* It might occur when the QB PDF converter has not been set up correctly.
* Such an issue is due to problems in the Windows registry.
* You may receive error code -20 if the QB software has been uninstalled.
* You might be using the QB version, which is not compatible with the Windows Operating System.

**Note**:- [QuickBooks Error 80029c4a](https://asquarecloudhosting.com/quickbooks-error-80029c4a/) occurs when system files or dynamic link libraries fail to register, preventing proper software launch or operation.

## 3 Troubleshooting Methods for QuickBooks Printer not Activated Error Code -20

Below are the methods that can be used to eliminate QB error code -20. Let’s see how to implement each step accordingly:

### Method 1: Configure printer settings

* You can fix it by disabling the printer. First, you need to turn off the computer, enable the printer again, and load the printer paper correctly.
* Head over to the Start menu.
* Go to the Control Panel.
* Double-click on the Printers and Faxes.
* Next, you need to switch the printer to online mode if it is offline. For this, right-click on it and click on Printer Online.
* If you see the printer jobs in the queue, double-click on the printer.
* Choose Printer.
* Tap on the Cancel All Documents option.
* Next, you need to exit the window.
* Right-click on the printer to choose the printer’s functionality.
* Choose Properties.
* Click on the Print Test Page.

### Method 2: Check the default email program

* Press Win+R, which will open the Run command.
* In the dialog box, search for regedit.
* Choose OK.
* Go to the HKEY_CURRENT_USER.
* Click on Software.
* After this, tap on Clients and choose Mail.
* Now, you are required to double-click on the Default section.
* Look at the left-hand panel and change the email program if the email name is not the one you are using.
* Last, restart Windows and click OK.

### Method 3: Disable the UAC Windows application monitoring

* Open the Run window by pressing Win+R.
* Search for the Control Panel and go to the User Accounts.
* Click OK.
* Next, you need to choose Change User Access.
* Switch the slider to Never Notify.
* Click OK and restart your device.

## Printer Not Activated Error Code -20 – Frequently Asked Questions

#### What is Printer Not Activated Error Code -20?
* Printer Not Activated Error Code -20 occurs when QuickBooks cannot detect or communicate with the printer, preventing document or report printing.
#### Why does Printer Not Activated Error Code -20 appear?
* This error appears when printer drivers are missing, outdated, or the printer is not set as the default device in Windows.
#### Can Printer Not Activated Error Code -20 stop all printing tasks?
* Yes, the error can prevent printing of invoices, checks, reports, and forms from QuickBooks until the issue is resolved.
#### Is Printer Not Activated Error Code -20 related to system permissions?
* Yes, insufficient system permissions or restricted user accounts can block QuickBooks from accessing printer services, triggering this error.
#### Does Printer Not Activated Error Code -20 indicate printer hardware failure?
* Not necessarily. The error often occurs due to software or configuration issues rather than a physical problem with the printer itself.
#### Can Printer Not Activated Error Code -20 occur with network printers?
* Yes, network printers can trigger this error if the connection is unstable, the driver is missing, or network permissions are restricted.
#### How does Printer Not Activated Error Code -20 impact business workflow?
* This error delays document printing, including invoices, paychecks, and reports, potentially disrupting daily accounting and payroll processes.
#### Is Printer Not Activated Error Code -20 common in QuickBooks Desktop?
* Yes, many [QuickBooks Desktop](https://asquarecloudhosting.com/download-quickbooks-desktop/) users report this issue, especially after Windows updates, driver changes, or QuickBooks upgrades.
#### Can Printer Not Activated Error Code -20 reappear after fixing?
* The error may recur if printer drivers are not properly installed, the printer is reconfigured, or QuickBooks settings are changed.
#### Does Printer Not Activated Error Code -20 affect PDF printing?
* Yes, even PDF printing within QuickBooks can fail if the system cannot detect the printer or if virtual printer settings are corrupted.
#### How can Printer Not Activated Error Code -20 be prevented?
* Regularly updating printer drivers, setting a default printer, and ensuring proper Windows permissions for QuickBooks can minimize this error.
#### When should professional support be sought for Printer Not Activated Error Code -20?
* If the error persists after updating drivers, checking connections, and adjusting settings, professional assistance ensures QuickBooks prints smoothly.

**Check This Guide**:- [QuickBooks Error 1904](https://asquarecloudhosting.com/quickbooks-error-1904/) appears during installation when essential system files cannot be written or registered, blocking successful software setup and updates.

## In a Nutshell
After reading this blog completely, you must have understood which factors might be leading to it. To clarify the factors properly, we have also given you an area in this blog above in which some factors are present.

Along with this, we have also provided you with some solutions on how you can remove this error. For more information, give a call to **[phone]** and talk to a QB Pro Advisor.