Unable to download .exe file with $this->response CI4

Hi,

I want to download a excutable file with the response Class CI4 but it doesn't work.
Here is the code i'm using :

Code:

        if ( file_exists( SELF::DIR_FILES.$file ) ) {
            return $this->response->download( $file, file_get_contents( SELF::DIR_FILES.$file ), true );
        }

And it works with all other type of file instead of ".exe" (and ".zip").
How can i make it work with a file like "programs.exe" ?

Thx

Edit : I forgot to describ the issue i'm struggling with. A "file" is already downloaded but it's empty. Like a shortcut instead of the real and complete executable.