How to Open the Epson ET-2720 Waste Ink Reset Utility When Windows Says It Is Not a Microsoft-Verified App

Question

I followed all the steps in the video for fixing the Epson ET-2720 waste ink pad "end of life" message and installing an external waste ink tank. I also turned off my virus protection, and the file downloaded successfully. However, when I try to open the file, Windows says the app I'm trying to install is not a Microsoft-verified app. What should I do next?

Answer

The message you are seeing is usually a Windows security or app-installation setting issue, not necessarily a problem with the Epson ET-2720 waste ink reset file itself. Windows may block programs that are not downloaded from the Microsoft Store or not signed in a way that Microsoft recognizes. This is especially common on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

For the Epson ET-2720 waste ink pad "end of life" issue, the printer normally stops because its internal waste ink counter has reached its limit. Installing an external waste ink tank only gives the waste ink somewhere to go physically. It does not reset the internal counter by itself. That is why the reset utility is still needed after the waste ink tank installation. The reset software clears the waste ink counter so the printer can operate again.

The warning you mentioned may say something like:

"The app you're trying to install isn't a Microsoft-verified app"

or:

"For your security, only install apps from the Microsoft Store"

This usually means Windows is set to allow only Microsoft Store apps or to warn you before installing apps from outside the Store.

To fix this, go to your Windows settings and change the app installation permission.

On Windows 11, try this:

1. Click Start.

2. Open Settings.

3. Go to Apps.

4. Click Advanced app settings.

5. Look for Choose where to get apps.

6. Change it from The Microsoft Store only or Warn me before installing apps from outside the Microsoft Store to Anywhere.

On Windows 10, try this:

1. Click Start.

2. Open Settings.

3. Go to Apps.

4. Click Apps & features.

5. Find Choose where to get apps.

6. Select Anywhere.

After changing that setting, try opening the reset utility again.

If you see a blue Windows SmartScreen message that says something like "Windows protected your PC," click More info, then choose Run anyway if you trust the file source. That SmartScreen warning is different from antivirus protection. Turning off antivirus does not always bypass SmartScreen or Microsoft app-source restrictions.

Also, make sure you are not running Windows in S Mode. Windows S Mode only allows apps from the Microsoft Store. If your computer is in S Mode, many third-party printer utilities will not run at all unless you switch out of S Mode. You can check this by going to:

Settings > System > Activation

If it says you are using Windows in S Mode, you would need to switch out of S Mode before using non-Microsoft Store software. Please note that switching out of S Mode is usually permanent, so make that decision carefully.

Another thing to check is whether the downloaded file is compressed. If the file is a ZIP file, right-click it and choose Extract All first. Do not run the program directly from inside the ZIP folder. After extracting it, right-click the program and choose Run as administrator. Waste ink reset utilities often need administrator permission to communicate properly with the printer.

If Windows still blocks the file, right-click the downloaded program, select Properties, and look near the bottom of the General tab. If you see an Unblock checkbox, check it, click Apply, then click OK. After that, try running the program again as administrator.

For the Epson ET-2720, once the software opens, make sure the printer is connected by USB if the reset tool requires it. Many adjustment or reset utilities are unreliable over Wi-Fi. The printer should be powered on, recognized by the computer, and not stuck in a disconnected or offline status. If the reset utility cannot find the printer, try a different USB port, a different USB cable, or reinstall the Epson driver before running the reset again.

The waste ink error itself may appear as a message such as:

"A printer's ink pad is at the end of its service life"

or:

"Service required"

This is not the same as a paper jam, cartridge error, or printhead clog. It is a maintenance counter lockout. The external waste tank handles the future physical waste ink, while the reset software handles the printer's internal counter. Both parts matter.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair because many of these problems require hands-on inspection and testing. For that reason, we are not able to provide remote troubleshooting, customized repair suggestions, or step-by-step support for individual printer repairs. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility, available here: BCH Technologies Printer Repair Service [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service]. Due to high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it may take a few weeks before your printer can be dropped off. Our services are structured to repair either the whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we understand that our rates are not the most economical option. Because of that, we strongly recommend self-help through online research whenever possible. A good starting point is YouTube, including our channel homepage: BCH Technologies YouTube Channel [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]. Once you are on the channel page, use the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar to search for specific topics. I receive dozens of questions every day asking where to find videos on certain printer problems. Since we have created videos for the past nine years, it is difficult to remember every single video by title. Using YouTube's search function is usually the most efficient method, and YouTube may also recommend helpful videos from other creators.

Thank you again for watching and following along with the Epson ET-2720 waste ink tank installation video. In your case, the next step is most likely changing the Windows app installation setting from Microsoft Store-only to allow apps from anywhere, then running the extracted reset utility as administrator.