Can’t Delete a Zip File Due to ‘Folder in Use’ Error—How to Fix?

Make sure you’re actually trying to delete the zip file and not just a folder you extracted from it. Also, check that you don't have the preview pane open in your file explorer, as that can sometimes lock files too.

If rebooting doesn't work, open up the Task Manager and see if any programs are still running that could be using the file. If you see anything suspicious, just end the task and try deleting it again.

Another option is to boot into safe mode, as that can help you delete stubborn files. You could also try using a third-party tool like Wise Force Deleter for this kind of issue.

It sounds like some program might be accessing the zip file. For instance, if you’re using a program to view the contents, it can lock the file so you can't delete it. A quick reboot usually helps—try that and then see if you can delete it afterward.