Have you encountered the message “Epson Printer Not Activated Error Code 20” while trying to print an important document? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. This error is common among Epson printer users, especially after upgrading Windows or reinstalling printer software. Fortunately, this issue can be resolved with a few quick and secure troubleshooting steps.
What Does Error Code 20 Mean?
The “Epson Printer Not Activated Error Code 20” error generally occurs when the system is not able to access the printer. It’s typically caused by a bad/missing printer driver, incorrect printer settings, or permission issues on your Windows account. There are also instances where you would see it when the default printer is misconfigured or the corresponding registry entries are corrupted.
Causes of Error Code 20
To fix the issue, it’s important to understand the possible triggers:
- Outdated or corrupt printer drivers
- Epson printer not set as the default device
- Windows system updates interfering with printer settings
- Lack of administrative permissions during setup
- Incorrect registry configuration
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Reinstall or Upgrade Your Printer Driver
Go to the Epson website and download the latest driver available for your printer model. The first step is to please remove the printer driver from Device Manager and then install the printer driver with administrative rights.
Make Your Epson Printer Default
Go to: Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners
Click on your Epson printer.
Choose “Set as default.”
Run the Printer Troubleshooter. You might be able to fix the Printer is in an error state problem in Windows 10 by running the Printer Troubleshooter.
Windows has a feature built in that will try to detect and fix printer problems automatically. Head to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Printer.
Check for Admin Access
Right-click on the installation file and click “Run as Administrator.”
Clean Up the Windows Registry
You can also have a professional or a trustworthy software program do the job for you to clean or repair your registry.
When to Contact Support
If you’ve tried the above solutions and still see “What is the Epson Printer Not Activated Error Code 20?,“ it’s time to get expert help. Technical errors like registry damage or driver conflicts may require advanced troubleshooting. Call our toll-free support number 1-800-319-5804 for 24/7 Epson printer assistance.
Final Thoughts
The Epson Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 can be a real deal-breaker, but not a dead-end one. Keep your drivers updated, set the correct defaults, and keep your system lean to ensure the continued performance of your Epson printer in the future.
