Fix Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 | Quick Solutions Guide

Error 20 means QuickBooks cannot activate your printer for checks, invoices, or tax forms. Update drivers, reset printer setup, or call +1-866-513-4656 to resolve it in minutes.

You sit down to print payroll checks or a tax form, and QuickBooks hits you with:

“Printer Not Activated – Error Code 20.”

Frustrating? Absolutely.

The clock is ticking, employees are waiting, or the tax deadline is looming. This error blocks printing entirely, and QuickBooks acts like your printer doesn’t exist.

Fix QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 fast. Follow our step-by-step guide or call +1-866-513-4656 for instant help. Reliable solutions for Desktop & Online.

But here’s the good news: Error 20 is fixable.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly why it happens and how to resolve it—step by step. If you need immediate help, certified QuickBooks technicians are available at +1-866-513-4656.

What Is QuickBooks Error Code 20?

Error Code 20 appears when QuickBooks tries to send a print job—usually for checks, invoices, payroll forms, or tax documents—but the printer isn’t “activated” inside the software.

It’s not a hardware failure. Your printer may work fine with Word or Excel.The issue lies in how QuickBooks communicates with the printer driver or how the form is configured.

This error commonly strikes during:

• Printing payroll checks or running a QuickBooks payroll issue resolution

• Filing forms related to a QuickBooks tax problem

• Any other QuickBooks error that involves printing sensitive documents

Common Causes of Error Code 20

Understanding the root cause saves time. Here are the six most frequent triggers:

1. Incorrect default printer assigned in QuickBooks

QuickBooks ignores Windows defaults; it uses its own printer selection.

2. Outdated or corrupt printer driver

Even if other apps print fine, QuickBooks demands a fully compatible driver.

3. Company file corruption

Damage to printer settings stored inside the company file.

4. Missing printer activation for payroll or tax forms

QuickBooks Payroll and Tax forms require explicit printer assignment.

5. Windows print spooler malfunction

Stalled print jobs can freeze QuickBooks’ printer activation.

6. PDF creation conflict

If “Adobe PDF” or “Microsoft Print to PDF” is set as default, QuickBooks may refuse to activate a physical printer.

How to Fix QuickBooks Error 20 (Step-by-Step)

Follow these solutions in order. Most users resolve the error within 10 minutes.

Solution 1 – Set the Correct Default Printer Inside QuickBooks

QuickBooks does not use your Windows default printer for checks or forms.

For QuickBooks Desktop:

1. Go to File → Printer Setup

2. Select the Form Name (e.g., Check, Invoice, Payroll Check)

3. Choose your physical printer from the Printer name: dropdown

4. Click OK

For QuickBooks Online:

1. Open the form you want to print

2. Click the printer icon → Print

3. Select your printer from the browser’s print dialog

Pro tip: Avoid PDF printers here unless you intentionally want to save files.

Solution 2 – Update or Reinstall the Printer Driver

A faulty driver is the #1 hidden cause of Error 20.

1. Open Windows Device Manager

2. Expand Print queues

3. Right-click your printer → Update driver → Search automatically

4. If no update found, visit the printer manufacturer’s site for the latest driver

Still stuck? Uninstall the driver, restart your PC, and reinstall it cleanly.

Solution 3 – Run QuickBooks Print and PDF Repair Tool

Intuit provides a free tool that resets printer settings and resolves activation errors.

1. Download the QuickBooks Tool Hub from Intuit’s official site

2. Install and open the tool hub

3. Select Program Problems

4. Click QuickBooks Print and PDF Repair Tool

5. Let it run, then restart QuickBooks

This tool often fixes the error without further steps.

Solution 4 – Verify Payroll and Tax Form Printer Settings

If the error appears only when processing payroll or taxes, QuickBooks may not have an activated printer for those specific forms.

For QuickBooks Payroll:

1. Go to Employees → Payroll Center

2. Click File Forms → select the form

3. In the print preview, click Printer Setup

4. Assign your physical printer and save

For QuickBooks Tax Forms:

1. File → Print Forms → Tax Forms

2. Choose the form year/type

3. Click Settings and select your printer

This step directly addresses any QuickBooks payroll issue or QuickBooks tax problem tied to Error 20.

Solution 5 – Use QuickBooks File Doctor for Company File Damage

If printer settings inside the company file are corrupt, standard fixes won’t work.

1. Open QuickBooks Tool Hub → Company File Issues

2. Run QuickBooks File Doctor

3. Select your company file and enter password when prompted

4. Let the tool repair file damage

After repair, reopen QuickBooks and set your printer again.

Solution 6 – Clear and Restart Windows Print Spooler

Stuck print jobs can lock QuickBooks’ printer activation.

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, press Enter

2. Find Print Spooler → right-click → Stop

3. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS and delete all files inside

4. Go back to Services → right-click Print Spooler → Start

Try printing from QuickBooks again.

Prevention Tips – Avoid Error 20 in the Future

• Always set the printer inside QuickBooks, not just Windows

  
  

• Keep printer drivers updated – set monthly reminders

  
  

• Avoid using PDF printers as default for forms

  
  

• Run Verify/Rebuild Data weekly to catch file corruption early

  
  

• Update QuickBooks regularly to the latest release

  
  

• Restart your printer and PC weekly to clear spooler memory

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why does QuickBooks say “Printer Not Activated” when my printer works fine elsewhere?

QuickBooks maintains its own printer activation list separate from Windows. You must assign a printer inside QuickBooks for each form type.

2. Can Error 20 affect QuickBooks Online?

Yes. While QBO uses browser printing, some payroll and tax forms require a locally installed printer driver. Error 20 can still appear if the connection fails.

3. Will reinstalling QuickBooks fix Error 20?

Rarely. The error is usually driver‑ or settings‑based. Reinstalling should be a last resort after trying the steps above.

4. Does this error mean my printer is broken?

No. Error 20 is a software‑side communication issue, not a hardware failure.

5. What if I still get Error 20 after all these fixes?

You may need deeper company file repair or a system‑level conflict check. Certified QuickBooks technicians can diagnose remotely. Call +1-866-513-4656 for direct assistance.

Still Seeing Error 20? Let’s End It Now

You’ve updated drivers, reset the spooler, and even run the repair tool.

Sometimes a QuickBooks error hides behind permissions, registry conflicts, or payroll‑specific corruption.

That’s when a live expert makes all the difference.

Our U.S.-based QuickBooks-certified team resolves Error 20 daily. One call, and we’ll activate your printer remotely—usually in under 15 minutes.

Call +1-866-513-4656 No bots. No hold music. Real people who know QuickBooks inside out.