Printer not activated error code 30 is an error that comes up when you are trying to print a PDF file on your computer. This is typically caused by the printer not being configured properly.
If you’re trying to print a crucial pdf file and suddenly this error pops up, we are going to tell you ways you can fix this. But first, let’s go through the causes of this error.
Printer not activated error, also called error code 30, can be solved by reinstalling the drivers and/or updating the operating system.
What causes the Printer Not Activated Error Code 30?
As we have aforementioned, the error comes up while you are trying to print a document (PDF file usually) on your system. Printer not activated error code 30 is caused by permission issue, incorrectly installed drivers, or outdated operating system.
Having not elevated or full permissions on your account
If you are using an account on Windows which does not have full permissions or does not allow you to run certain administrative tasks, then you’ll be getting this error thanks to that. A user account on Windows with no administrative privileges can be the cause of this error.
Printer Drivers Not Correctly Installed
If the printer that you simply are using on your machine doesn’t have the proper drivers, then you’ll most likely get this error and you won’t be able to print anything. If the drivers are corrupted or they’re not compatible with the printer that you simply are using, then it means you’re getting this error thanks to a bad driver.
The printer is Not Setup as Default Printer
If the printer you want to print something on with your machine is not set as the default device, then you will likely get this error. If you have multiple printers set up on your machine and you have not set the printer you want to print on as the default printer device in Windows then this error will come.
Outdated Operating System
If you have a new printer device that is a recent model and your Windows 10 has not been updated for quite some time, then, likely, Windows would not be ready to configure the printer correctly as their drivers aren’t available in your system.
Windows updates usually install the latest drivers also for various devices that come new and are recently released. So, an outdated Windows 10 also can be an explanation for this issue.
What to Do to Fix Printer Not Activated Error Code -30?
There are many solutions listed below that you can try to fix this issue on Windows 10. As the solutions are dependent on the cause of the problem, so every solution listed here might not solve your error but you can try all, and hopefully, your problem will be fixed.
Solution 1:Update Printer Drivers
The first solution that you simply can try is to update your printer drivers. There are two ways you’ll update your printer drivers. The first method is to manually go to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your printer from there and then install the drivers.
If the issue is with your computer or a laptop/notebook you should try using repair tools which can scan the repositories and replace corrupt and missing files. This works in most cases, where the difficulty is originated thanks to a system corruption.
The second method is to use a driver installing a utility that automatically downloads and installs the drivers for you. These drivers installing utilities detect the hardware attached to your computer. They then automatically download and installs the acceptable drivers for them. There are way too many out there so downloading one won’t be that hard.
Solution 2:Make your Printer Device as Default
Sometimes, if you have more than one printer attached to your computer, then it is recommended that you set the printer that you want to print on as your default device in Windows.
To do that open Start Menu, search for Control Panel, and open it up.
Select Hardware and Sound. And choose Devices and Printers.
Hardware and Sound
Now, you will see a list of printers connected to your computer. Right-click on the printer that you simply want to use and choose Set as default printer.
Exit the window and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
If the error was caused thanks to your printer device not set as default in Windows, then making it because the default printer would hopefully fix the matter for you.
Solution 3:Reinstall the USB composite device
Sometimes, if your USB composite device has not been configured correctly, then you’ll get this error. To fix the difficulty, you would like to reinstall the USB composite device from the Device Manager in Windows.
Press Windows + R key and type devmgmt.msc to open Device Manager.
Afterward, scroll down until you see Universal Serial Bus Controllers on the right pane. Click on the + icon next to it to expand the items in the list.
Then, right-click on the USB Composite device and click on uninstall.
Uninstalling USB Composite Device Driver
Now disconnect your printer and reconnect it again.
Conclusion
The Found New Hardware wizard will open and follow the instructions to install the drivers for it. After this, print the pdf file again. If the error was caused thanks to the USB composite device not being configured correctly, then following the above steps will hopefully fix the matter for you. If none of the Methods have resolved the issue for you, we recommend using repair tools which can scan the repositories to replace corrupt files.
Marziano is a seasoned tech expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and multiple certifications, including CompTIA A+, Network+, and Cisco’s CCNA, he has a well-rounded and robust understanding of various aspects of technology.
