If I were you I'd create a new boot stick with Zorin 18.0 and test that version.
I will do that and then revert back with an answer. If 18.0 works does it mean the machine will not be able to be updated as new versions are released?
No. Perhaps it fails because you're in a live session. It's possible that it will work on a true bare-metal installation.
You can also upgrade to Zorin 18.1 or higher (when new versions will be released) but use the 6.14 kernel or 6.8 kernel if that is the only one that works. Or you can install Zorin 18.1 and then install an older kernel if the 6.17 kernel does not work. Maybe there will be updates soon which solve the WLAN problem in the kernel 6.17 version.
A kernel change is only possible in the live session on a boot stick with persistence.
I tried Zorin 18.0, but encountered the same issue. Additionally the NVIDIA drivers would not install. I am wary to do a full installation as there is no going back to Windows and then not having Linux working either. Do you think this issue is repairable once installed (not running from the USB)?
Which nvidia card do you have? Older nvidia cards which use nvidia driver 340, 390 or 470 need kernel 6.8. With later kernels there are often problems.
You could install Zorin beside Windows as Dualboot.
It seems this doesn't work because You run Zorin in Live Mode. So, it can't do some Steps.
You don't need directly to replace Windows - and I wouldn't recommed that in common anyway. You can install it as a Dual-Boot System. Then, Windows and Zorin are installed. And if Zorin doesn't work for You, You can remove it.
Graphics card - GeForce 820M
How do I install Zorin as a dual-boot system? Do I have to duplicate my document folder or is it going to be accessible to both operating systems?
I think you need the 390 driver for that nvidia card (or you use the open source driver nouveau). In Zorin 17 you can add the kelebek333 ppa to install the 390 driver on kernel 6.8. By default this driver only works with kernel 5.15.
I personally also have an old Dell with Nvidia card which also needs this driver but I use Nouveau (to avoid headakes with the proprietary nvidia drivers which are old and no more supported) on Zorin 17 Lite. The driver support for those old nvidia cards is worse in Linux than in Windows 10.
Theoretically, You could access it through Zorin but I would suggest to duplicate it.
How You Dual-Boot: First Thing: Make a BackUp of Your Data. Then: If You only have one Drive in Your Machine, You can start the Installation Process of Zorin and choose the Install Option ''Install Zorin alongside Windows'' and then You choose how much Disc Space You want use and the Rest makes the Installer automatically. You only have to create a User Account.
Nvidia showed that the 430 Driver works for the Card.
During installation you choose the option to install Zorin beside Windows. You have access to your Windows data from Zorin.
Is that driver 430 in the jammy or noble repos? I haven't read about it that it is offered, also not in a ppa.
All current posts about this nvidia card mention the 390 driver.
In Zorin 17 synaptic shows nvidia-driver-430 as a transition package for nvidia 440 driver. I don't think that it is a driver that works.
Seems to be available in Jammy. But of Course, You can use an older one, too.