Some QB users have complained to us that they face the QuickBooks Error Code 20 or QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 quite regularly. If you are one of them, we can be of great help. We know, it can be really annoying to come across such errors if you are in the middle of something very important.  Don’t worry! We have got some easy solutions to this issue. Go through this blog. Implement the steps mentioned and get rid of this error once and for all!

What is the QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20?

The QuickBooks Error Code 20 is one of the most common errors experienced by QuickBooks users. Users generally get the QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error message after they try to install Windows or upgrade to a latest Windows version. When this error occurs, users can not send or publish pay slips or invoices. This may lead to major inconvenience for the users. 

Read More: How to Add a New Printer in QuickBooks Desktop?

Why does the QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error occur?

There are multiple factors that are responsible for the occurrence of the QuickBooks Error Code 20 on Windows 10 computers. Some of these are given below:-

• This error usually appears when a user eliminates or deletes the ‘HKey_current_config\software’ key. QuickBooks programs or applications work on this registry key. If this key gets deleted, the print application or program fails to run properly.
• The error message Printer not activated – Error Code 20 is displayed on the computer when printing QuickBooks check, invoices or while trying to save as PDF on Windows 10, 8.1 or 7.
• This error may also occur when the user installs multiple versions of QuickBooks in the same computer and all these versions are kept in the same directory. The system is not harmed as such, but it may be a reason for occurrence of the Printer Error Code 20. However, if multiple versions of QB application are installed in different directories, no such problem would arise.
• In case, the QuickBooks application installed in a computer is not compatible with the particular operating system or PDF driver installed in the same computer, the QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error message may pop up on the screen.

Read More: How to fix when QuickBooks cannot print to PDF?

How to Fix the QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20?

Here are some of the easiest methods to solve the QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error:

1. Reinstall the QuickBooks Application
2. Go to Control Panel.
3. Click Programs (Applications) and features.
4. Search for QuickBooks and then click the Uninstall option.
5. Now, download a new copy of the QuickBooks application.
6. Install the application by following the instructions that appear on your screen.
7. Restart the computer for the changes to take full effect.
8. If the problem still persists, the issue may be with the PDF converter only. Delete the old driver and install a driver compatible with your operating system.

1. Grant permission through Registry Editor

• Click the Start keyon your keyboard
• Type Regedit in the text field
• The Regedit  icon will appear on your screen
• Right-click on the icon & select Run as an administrator.
• Open the Registry Editor
• Right click on the Software folder
• Choose Permission
• Verify if the user has the complete control of the table.
• Click OK
• Close the window
• Close the Registry Editor.

Read More: How to Print Pay Stubs in QuickBooks Desktop?

2. Grant permission through PowerShell script (Available only for Windows 10 users)

• Click the Start keyon your keyboard
• Type cmd in the text field
• Click on cmd
• Choose Run as an Administrator
• Type Powershell in the command prompt.
• Click  Enter
• Copy and paste the below-mentioned code in the text field:

PowerShell.exe -NoProfile -NoLogo -NonInteractive -Command “$key = [Microsoft.Win32.Registry]::CurrentConfig.OpenSubKey(‘Software’,[Microsoft.Win32.RegistryKeyPermissionCheck]::ReadWriteSubTree,[System.Security.AccessControl.RegistryRights]::ChangePermissions); $acl =$key.GetAccessControl(); $rule = New-Object System.Security.AccessControl.RegistryAccessRule (‘Users’,’FullControl’,’ObjectInherit,ContainerInherit’,’None’,’Allow’); $acl.SetAccessRule($rule); $key.SetAccessControl($acl);”

• Try printing from the QB application now. The problem should get fixed.

Read More: How to Set Up Check Printing in QuickBooks Desktop?

3. Configure the Print Spooler Service

• Press Windows + R .
• Type MSC in the Run Box.
• Go to the Services list
• Right click  on Print Spooler Service
• Select  Properties
• Click Stop the Print Spooler Service.
• Select the  Automatic option
• Click Start to launch the service again.
• Try printing from QuickBooks after clicking Save as PDF

Read More: How to fix when component required for pdf print from QuickBooks is missing error occurred?

4. Use QuickBooks Print and PDF fix instrument

• On the off chance that none of the techniques helped you out, you can utilize the QuickBooks print fix instrument. The moves toward be followed are:
• You can download the QuickBooks PDF and Print fix instrument from the QuickBooks device center point program.
• Run the device in head mode.
  From that point forward, the application will run with a red foundation and will allow you to track down the arrangement.
  Subsequent stage is to guarantee that the QuickBooks rendition is refreshed.
• Followed by guaranteeing that the printer is printing out of your QuickBooks.
  Presently, you will be incited to restart subsequent to running the apparatus.
  Also, in conclusion, while running the apparatus, remember that any remaining running applications are shut.

5. Initiate Printer Spooler service

At the point when none of the strategies helped, try to enact the print spooler administration. The moves toward be done in this cycle are as per the following:

• Hold down the Windows logo and afterward Press R, first of all, keys together.
• Subsequent stage is to type in services.msc and Hit Enter key.
• Pick Print spooler choice and afterward, pick the Stop choice.
• When finished with that, right snap and afterward press Start choice.
• Presently check in the Event that the blunder is settled or not.

6. Re-introduce QuickBooks work area

In this cycle, you are prescribed to enter the Control Board and afterward click on the Projects and elements choice. After that find the product.

• Projects and Elements choice – Screen capture
• Followed by tapping on uninstall choice. After that download the appropriate rendition of the product guaranteeing its similarity with the working framework.
• Presently ensure that the printer and the program is turned out great.
• On the off chance that you experience specific issue with respect to the un-establishment, then utilize the framework security application, very much like Reimage or RegCure Ace, to clean the framework from tainted records.

7. Fixing Microsoft Report Author Windows part

The Microsoft archive essayist is preinstalled Windows part and it assists in printing with documenting. The part empowers the Windows to help QuickBooks application to save the data in PDF. The means included are as per the following:

• In any case, you are expected to right tap the QuickBooks symbol and afterward pick the open record area tab.
• Move to the temp organizer.
• Additionally find and double tap the exe record, and complete the establishment.
• Followed by, opening QuickBooks once to enlist the permit.
• Following stage is, in the event that you are confronting issue in introducing ABS PDF driver, or it quits answering, then take a stab at reinstalling them once more.
• Ultimately, print once more and afterward confirm the QuickBooks blunder code, when the establishment cycle finishes.

What are Some Common Solutions to the QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20?

If you are experiencing the QuickBooks printer not activated error code 20, there are a few solutions that you can try.

1. Make sure that the printer is connected to the computer and turned on.
2. Check to see if the ink cartridges are installed and properly inserted into the printer.
3. Try reinstalling QuickBooks onto the computer.
4. Verify that the network connection is working properly.
5. Check to see if there are any rogue programs on the computer that could be affecting the printer.
6. Update the firmware on the printer if available.
7. Contact QuickBooks support for help troubleshooting the issue.

Wrapping Up

We hope that after applying the above methods, you will be able to fix the printer not activated error code 41 issue. Somehow, if the above methods are not able to resolve the problem, then we will highly recommend contacting a professional for better guidance. However, for any kind of technical assistance, or if the same error still persists Our QuickBooks enterprise support team and U.S based accounting professionals will ensure to provide instant QuickBooks support. We will be more happy to help you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Print to PDF not Working with QuickBooks Desktop