QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code -20: Causes, Fixes & Expert Solutions (2026 Guide)
Fix QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code -20 with easy steps. Call +1-888-209-3999 for expert QuickBooks printer support now.
Fix QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code -20 with easy steps. Call +1-888-209-3999 for expert QuickBooks printer support now.
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.
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:
Invoices
Pay stubs
Checks
Reports
PDF forms
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.
This error is usually triggered due to Windows or QuickBooks configuration issues. Below are the most common causes:
Corrupted or missing PDF converter driver
Damaged QuickBooks Print & PDF Repair components
Incorrect Windows printer permissions
Outdated QuickBooks Desktop version
Printer driver conflicts
Windows updates interfering with printing setup
QuickBooks installation file corruption
Even one missing PDF component can block printing completely.
Before jumping into technical steps, try these quick checks:
Restart QuickBooks Desktop
Restart your computer
Turn off printer and turn it back on
Ensure printer is set as default
Print a test page from Windows
Check if you can print outside QuickBooks
If Windows prints fine but QuickBooks doesn’t, the issue is likely inside QuickBooks PDF components.
Below are the best working solutions trusted by QuickBooks experts.
The easiest way to fix QuickBooks Desktop printing issue is using QuickBooks Tool Hub.
Download QuickBooks Tool Hub from Intuit official source
Install it and open the program
Click Program Problems
Select Quick Fix My Program
Restart QuickBooks Desktop
This often resolves damaged internal components instantly.
If your problem is specifically related to PDF printing, QuickBooks has a built-in repair option.
Open QuickBooks Tool Hub
Go to Program Problems
Click QuickBooks PDF & Print Repair Tool
Wait until the repair completes
Restart your PC and try printing again
This method is highly effective when the PDF converter is missing or blocked.
QuickBooks relies on Windows printing services such as XPS. If XPS is damaged, you’ll face QuickBooks printing error frequently.
Open Control Panel
Click Programs and Features
Select Turn Windows features on or off
Find Microsoft XPS Document Writer
Disable it and restart the computer
Enable it again and restart
After this, test QuickBooks printing again.
An outdated version can trigger printing bugs, especially after Windows updates.
Open QuickBooks Desktop
Go to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop
Click Update Now
Select Get Updates
Restart QuickBooks after the update
Updating can remove hidden conflicts and restore printing features.
If the error is caused by missing QuickBooks program files, repairing the installation is necessary.
Open Control Panel
Go to Programs and Features
Find QuickBooks Desktop
Click Uninstall/Change
Select Repair
Follow on-screen instructions and restart your system
This method is extremely useful for stubborn cases of Fix QuickBooks printer error.
Sometimes QuickBooks cannot access printer services because of limited Windows permissions.
Close QuickBooks
Right-click QuickBooks icon
Select Run as Administrator
Try printing again
If this works, your user account permissions may need correction.
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:
Deep Windows registry conflicts
Corrupted PDF driver installation
QuickBooks components failing repeatedly
Printer spooler service crashing
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
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.
Why does QuickBooks show printer not activated error -20?
It usually occurs because of damaged PDF components, missing XPS services, outdated QuickBooks versions, or corrupted printer drivers.
Can QuickBooks Tool Hub fix error code -20?
Yes, using QuickBooks PDF & Print Repair Tool inside Tool Hub fixes most cases of QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code -20.
Does reinstalling the printer driver help?
Yes. If the printer driver is corrupted or incompatible, reinstalling it can solve the QuickBooks Desktop printing issue quickly.
How do I repair QuickBooks PDF component issues?
You can repair them using the QuickBooks PDF component repair tool available in QuickBooks Tool Hub.
What if the error continues even after repair?
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.