---
# System prepended metadata

title: Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 – Fix Guide
tags: [QuickBooks Printing Issues]

---

# Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 – Fix Guide
Fix Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 quickly +1-866-408-0444 with simple steps, causes, and solutions to restore printing in QuickBooks & Windows.

<p data-start="377" data-end="754">Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 is a common issue faced by QuickBooks and Windows users when trying to print invoices, reports, or documents. This error usually appears when the system cannot communicate properly with the printer driver or when permission settings are incorrect. It can interrupt daily workflow and prevent users from generating important business records.</p>
<p data-start="756" data-end="1032">In this complete guide, you will learn what Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 means, why it happens, and how to fix it using easy and effective solutions. Whether you are using QuickBooks Desktop or Windows PDF printers, this article will help you resolve the issue quickly.</p>

![BizBooksAdvice Best QuickBooks Services Provider ](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/HkAZA1Dv-e.png)

<h2 data-start="1039" data-end="1086">What is Printer Not Activated Error Code 20?</h2>
<p data-start="1088" data-end="1349">Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 is a printing issue that typically occurs when the software cannot access or activate the selected printer driver. Many QuickBooks users see this error when they try to save invoices as PDF files or print financial documents.</p>
<p data-start="1351" data-end="1533">The problem is often related to permission restrictions, outdated drivers, or incorrect printer configuration. Once fixed, you should be able to print normally without interruptions.</p>
<p data-start="1351" data-end="1533">Read More:- <a href="https://www.bizbooksadvice.com/quickbooks-print-pdf-repair-tool.html">QuickBooks Print &amp; PDF Repair Tool</a></p>
<h2 data-start="1540" data-end="1597">Common Symptoms of Printer Not Activated Error Code 20</h2>
<p data-start="1599" data-end="1691">Recognizing the symptoms early can help you troubleshoot faster. Here are some common signs:</p>
<ul data-start="1693" data-end="1948">
<li data-start="1693" data-end="1750">
<p data-start="1695" data-end="1750">Error message appears while printing or saving as PDF</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1751" data-end="1800">
<p data-start="1753" data-end="1800">QuickBooks fails to print invoices or reports</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1801" data-end="1849">
<p data-start="1803" data-end="1849">Microsoft XPS Document Writer is not working</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1850" data-end="1897">
<p data-start="1852" data-end="1897">Printing stops suddenly without any warning</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1898" data-end="1948">
<p data-start="1900" data-end="1948">Unable to generate PDF files from applications</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="1950" data-end="2066">If you notice any of these issues, it is likely that your system is affected by Printer Not Activated Error Code 20.</p>
<h2 data-start="2073" data-end="2126">Main Causes of Printer Not Activated Error Code 20</h2>
<p data-start="2128" data-end="2235">Understanding the root cause is the first step toward solving the problem. The most common reasons include:</p>
<h3 data-start="2237" data-end="2261">1. Permission Issues</h3>
<p data-start="2262" data-end="2342">Windows security settings may block applications from accessing printer drivers.</p>
<h3 data-start="2344" data-end="2375">2. Outdated Printer Drivers</h3>
<p data-start="2376" data-end="2471">Old or corrupted printer drivers can prevent proper communication between software and printer.</p>
<h3 data-start="2473" data-end="2505">3. Incorrect Default Printer</h3>
<p data-start="2506" data-end="2564">If the wrong printer is set as default, printing may fail.</p>
<h3 data-start="2566" data-end="2602">4. Damaged QuickBooks Components</h3>
<p data-start="2603" data-end="2681">Sometimes QuickBooks PDF components get corrupted, leading to printing errors.</p>
<h3 data-start="2683" data-end="2713">5. Windows Registry Errors</h3>
<p data-start="2714" data-end="2785">Incorrect registry settings may also cause printer activation failures.</p>
<h2 data-start="2792" data-end="2841">How to Fix Printer Not Activated Error Code 20</h2>
<p data-start="2843" data-end="2916">Follow the solutions below step-by-step to resolve the error efficiently.</p>
<h3 data-start="2923" data-end="2970">Solution 1: Run QuickBooks as Administrator</h3>
<p data-start="2972" data-end="3049">Running QuickBooks with admin privileges can fix permission-related problems.</p>
<p data-start="3051" data-end="3057">Steps:</p>
<ol data-start="3058" data-end="3201">
<li data-start="3058" data-end="3090">
<p data-start="3061" data-end="3090">Close QuickBooks completely</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3091" data-end="3127">
<p data-start="3094" data-end="3127">Right-click the QuickBooks icon</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3128" data-end="3164">
<p data-start="3131" data-end="3164">Select <strong data-start="3138" data-end="3162">Run as Administrator</strong></p>
</li>
<li data-start="3165" data-end="3201">
<p data-start="3168" data-end="3201">Try printing the document again</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p data-start="3203" data-end="3267">This method works when Windows blocks access to printer drivers.</p>
<h3 data-start="3274" data-end="3320">Solution 2: Check Default Printer Settings</h3>
<p data-start="3322" data-end="3374">Setting the correct printer as default is essential.</p>
<p data-start="3376" data-end="3382">Steps:</p>
<ol data-start="3383" data-end="3578">
<li data-start="3383" data-end="3406">
<p data-start="3386" data-end="3406">Open Control Panel</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3407" data-end="3438">
<p data-start="3410" data-end="3438">Go to Devices and Printers</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3439" data-end="3496">
<p data-start="3442" data-end="3496">Locate your printer or Microsoft XPS Document Writer</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3497" data-end="3551">
<p data-start="3500" data-end="3551">Right-click and choose <strong data-start="3523" data-end="3549">Set as Default Printer</strong></p>
</li>
<li data-start="3552" data-end="3578">
<p data-start="3555" data-end="3578">Restart your computer</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p data-start="3580" data-end="3621">After restarting, attempt to print again.</p>
<h3 data-start="3628" data-end="3666">Solution 3: Update Printer Drivers</h3>
<p data-start="3668" data-end="3742">Outdated drivers are a major cause of Printer Not Activated Error Code 20.</p>
<p data-start="3744" data-end="3750">Steps:</p>
<ol data-start="3751" data-end="3895">
<li data-start="3751" data-end="3775">
<p data-start="3754" data-end="3775">Open Device Manager</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3776" data-end="3804">
<p data-start="3779" data-end="3804">Expand Printers section</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3805" data-end="3834">
<p data-start="3808" data-end="3834">Right-click your printer</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3835" data-end="3860">
<p data-start="3838" data-end="3860">Select Update Driver</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3861" data-end="3895">
<p data-start="3864" data-end="3895">Follow on-screen instructions</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p data-start="3897" data-end="3939">Once updated, test printing functionality.</p>
<h3 data-start="3946" data-end="3988">Solution 4: Modify Windows Permissions</h3>
<p data-start="3990" data-end="4043">Sometimes Windows blocks access to printing features.</p>
<p data-start="4045" data-end="4051">Steps:</p>
<ol data-start="4052" data-end="4223">
<li data-start="4052" data-end="4095">
<p data-start="4055" data-end="4095">Press Windows + R and type <strong data-start="4082" data-end="4093">regedit</strong></p>
</li>
<li data-start="4096" data-end="4130">
<p data-start="4099" data-end="4130">Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER</p>
</li>
<li data-start="4131" data-end="4163">
<p data-start="4134" data-end="4163">Right-click Software folder</p>
</li>
<li data-start="4164" data-end="4187">
<p data-start="4167" data-end="4187">Select Permissions</p>
</li>
<li data-start="4188" data-end="4223">
<p data-start="4191" data-end="4223">Give Full Control to all users</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p data-start="4225" data-end="4266">Restart your system after making changes.</p>
<h3 data-start="4273" data-end="4328">Solution 5: Reinstall Microsoft XPS Document Writer</h3>
<p data-start="4330" data-end="4378">QuickBooks uses this component for PDF printing.</p>
<p data-start="4380" data-end="4386">Steps:</p>
<ol data-start="4387" data-end="4576">
<li data-start="4387" data-end="4410">
<p data-start="4390" data-end="4410">Open Control Panel</p>
</li>
<li data-start="4411" data-end="4443">
<p data-start="4414" data-end="4443">Go to Programs and Features</p>
</li>
<li data-start="4444" data-end="4486">
<p data-start="4447" data-end="4486">Click Turn Windows Features On or Off</p>
</li>
<li data-start="4487" data-end="4519">
<p data-start="4490" data-end="4519">Disable XPS Document Writer</p>
</li>
<li data-start="4520" data-end="4541">
<p data-start="4523" data-end="4541">Restart computer</p>
</li>
<li data-start="4542" data-end="4576">
<p data-start="4545" data-end="4576">Re-enable XPS Document Writer</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p data-start="4578" data-end="4608">Try printing a PDF file again.</p>
<h3 data-start="4615" data-end="4661">Solution 6: Repair QuickBooks Installation</h3>
<p data-start="4663" data-end="4737">If QuickBooks components are damaged, repairing the installation can help.</p>
<p data-start="4739" data-end="4745">Steps:</p>
<ol data-start="4746" data-end="4875">
<li data-start="4746" data-end="4769">
<p data-start="4749" data-end="4769">Open Control Panel</p>
</li>
<li data-start="4770" data-end="4802">
<p data-start="4773" data-end="4802">Go to Programs and Features</p>
</li>
<li data-start="4803" data-end="4825">
<p data-start="4806" data-end="4825">Select QuickBooks</p>
</li>
<li data-start="4826" data-end="4843">
<p data-start="4829" data-end="4843">Click Repair</p>
</li>
<li data-start="4844" data-end="4875">
<p data-start="4847" data-end="4875">Follow prompts and restart</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p data-start="4877" data-end="4911">After repair, test printing again.</p>
<p data-start="4913" data-end="5007">If the issue continues, consider contacting support at +1-866-408-0444 for further assistance.</p>
<h2 data-start="5014" data-end="5046">Advanced Troubleshooting Tips</h2>
<p data-start="5048" data-end="5104">If basic solutions don&rsquo;t work, try these advanced steps:</p>
<ul data-start="5106" data-end="5333">
<li data-start="5106" data-end="5161">
<p data-start="5108" data-end="5161">Create a new Windows user account with admin rights</p>
</li>
<li data-start="5162" data-end="5196">
<p data-start="5164" data-end="5196">Install latest Windows updates</p>
</li>
<li data-start="5197" data-end="5240">
<p data-start="5199" data-end="5240">Run Windows Troubleshooter for printers</p>
</li>
<li data-start="5241" data-end="5286">
<p data-start="5243" data-end="5286">Disable third-party antivirus temporarily</p>
</li>
<li data-start="5287" data-end="5333">
<p data-start="5289" data-end="5333">Check system file integrity using SFC scan</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="5335" data-end="5385">These methods can resolve deeper system conflicts.</p>
<h2 data-start="5392" data-end="5445">How to Prevent Printer Not Activated Error Code 20</h2>
<p data-start="5447" data-end="5529">Prevention is always better than repair. Follow these tips to avoid future issues:</p>
<ul data-start="5531" data-end="5728">
<li data-start="5531" data-end="5568">
<p data-start="5533" data-end="5568">Keep QuickBooks updated regularly</p>
</li>
<li data-start="5569" data-end="5604">
<p data-start="5571" data-end="5604">Install Windows updates on time</p>
</li>
<li data-start="5605" data-end="5641">
<p data-start="5607" data-end="5641">Maintain updated printer drivers</p>
</li>
<li data-start="5642" data-end="5690">
<p data-start="5644" data-end="5690">Avoid installing unverified printer software</p>
</li>
<li data-start="5691" data-end="5728">
<p data-start="5693" data-end="5728">Backup QuickBooks data frequently</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="5730" data-end="5837">If you frequently encounter printing problems, you may need professional technical help at +1-866-408-0444.</p>
<h2 data-start="5844" data-end="5886">When Should You Seek Professional Help?</h2>
<p data-start="5888" data-end="5931">You should consider expert assistance when:</p>
<ul data-start="5933" data-end="6119">
<li data-start="5933" data-end="5970">
<p data-start="5935" data-end="5970">Error keeps returning after fixes</p>
</li>
<li data-start="5971" data-end="6006">
<p data-start="5973" data-end="6006">Printer drivers repeatedly fail</p>
</li>
<li data-start="6007" data-end="6045">
<p data-start="6009" data-end="6045">QuickBooks crashes during printing</p>
</li>
<li data-start="6046" data-end="6085">
<p data-start="6048" data-end="6085">PDF generation does not work at all</p>
</li>
<li data-start="6086" data-end="6119">
<p data-start="6088" data-end="6119">System registry errors appear</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="6121" data-end="6307">In such situations, trained professionals can diagnose deeper system problems and provide a permanent solution. You can also reach out to +1-866-408-0444 for immediate technical support.</p>
<h2 data-start="6314" data-end="6331">Final Thoughts</h2>
<p data-start="6333" data-end="6612">Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 can be frustrating, especially when you need to print important business documents quickly. Fortunately, the problem is usually related to permissions, drivers, or configuration settings, and can be resolved using simple troubleshooting steps.</p>
<p data-start="6614" data-end="6853">By following the solutions in this guide&mdash;such as running QuickBooks as administrator, updating printer drivers, checking default printer settings, and repairing QuickBooks&mdash;you can eliminate the error and restore normal printing operations.</p>
<p data-start="6855" data-end="7089">Keeping your system updated and maintaining proper printer configurations will help prevent the issue from returning. With the right approach, you can fix Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 and continue your work without disruptions.</p>