Laptops can no longer print to the USB printer on my main desktop PC

Hi all,

I've had my home network running for years with no issues, but for some reason, about six months ago, my laptops started having problems printing to the printer attached via USB to my main desktop. I'd get an error, then check the printer status, and find out it was disconnected, and unable to be re-added the way I always have:

1) Devices & Printers
2) Add a Printer
3) Printer I want isn't listed
4) Enter in name of desktop PC on the network, hit browse
5) See the host PC, select it, then select the printer
6) Drivers install, all is well

I have read more articles than I can count on the web about this issue, for example, just today:

https://social.technet.microsoft.com...it-did-earlier

https://social.technet.microsoft.com...ervice-missing

https://social.technet.microsoft.com...99-build-16299

I've visited other sites and forums too but this is the first one I'm posting to. Actually just got off the phone with Microsoft Support because the tech was so painfully unhelpful that I couldn't continue. (Not their fault. They're doing the best they can, I know.)

Anyway, can someone please point me in the right direction?

I have a desktop (less than a year old Maingear gaming PC) and several laptops (Thinkpad P1, T450s, crappy old Toshiba) - all the laptops exhibit the same behavior. And I know this USED TO WORK because I set it up previously with no issues.

Thanks in advance!

Thanks Ken. Yes, decided to put it on my network and all is well. It's a Brother HL-2270DW. Just had to Google the fact that this unit's wireless (which is buggy as heck) needs to be DISABLED by holding down the GO button for 10 seconds so the Ethernet interface is activated (has to be one or the other). Appreciate the reply, have a great day!