Ledger Live Desktop

Your secure, powerful companion for managing crypto from your computer

The Ledger Live Desktop app is the official desktop software built to operate alongside your Ledger hardware wallet. It puts you in control of your crypto assets—allowing you to track, send, receive, stake, swap, and manage tokens—all with advanced security, right from your computer.

Unlike web-based wallets or browser extensions, Ledger Live Desktop ensures your private keys never leave your hardware device. Every transaction must be confirmed physically on the device, adding an extra layer of protection. Below, we dive into how it works, what features it offers, and how to use it effectively and securely.

Download Ledger Live Desktop

How Ledger Live Desktop Works

Ledger Live Desktop connects your computer to your Ledger hardware wallet (such as Nano S Plus or Nano X) and acts as a secure interface. All critical operations—signing transactions, verifying addresses, interacting with smart contracts—occur inside the hardware device itself. The desktop app only acts as a bridge and interface to display balances, fetch blockchain data, and relay requests.

Download & install Ledger Live Desktop from the official source.
Connect your Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X where applicable).
Unlock your device using your PIN to permit the app to read account data.
Use the “Manager” tab to install blockchain apps (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum) onto your device.
Add accounts to start managing your assets.
When sending or staking, review transaction details in the app and confirm on your device before the action is executed.

Key Features & Capabilities

Multi-Asset & Multi-Account Support

Ledger Live Desktop supports thousands of coins and tokens—Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, and many ERC‑20 / BEP‑20 tokens. You can maintain multiple accounts across blockchains. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Real-Time Portfolio Dashboard

The dashboard gives you a snapshot of your holdings, market values, historical charts, and performance metrics. It stays synchronized with network data to reflect your updated balances. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Send, Receive & Transaction Management

You can send and receive crypto directly through the app. Before a transaction is executed, the details are shown for review, and you must confirm them physically on your hardware device. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Buy, Swap & Exchange Integration

Through trusted third‑party partners (e.g. MoonPay, Coinify), Ledger Live Desktop allows buying, selling, or swapping assets—all without leaving the app. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Staking & Earning Rewards

For supported blockchains, you can stake tokens (e.g. Ethereum, Solana, Tezos) directly through the app and keep track of your unclaimed rewards. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

NFT / Collectible Viewing

Ledger Live Desktop supports viewing NFTs (especially on Ethereum / Polygon) so you can safely browse your digital collectibles without exposing them to insecure platforms. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Device & App Management

The “Manager” allows installing or removing blockchain apps on your Ledger device, updating firmware, and controlling storage usage. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Security Model & Best Practices

Security is foundational to the Ledger Live Desktop ecosystem. Below are its core protections and what you should always do to stay safe:

Your private keys never leave the hardware device—transactions are signed internally. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Every action that moves funds or interacts with contracts must be confirmed on the device physically.
Firmware and app updates are cryptographically signed by Ledger so that tampered code is rejected.
Only download Ledger Live from the official site (ledger.com) to avoid fake or malicious versions. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Never enter your recovery phrase into the app or on your computer—Ledger support or any legitimate tool will never ask for it.
Use strong PINs and consider passphrase protection if you want extra security layers.
Stay on updated versions of both your Ledger Live Desktop app and device firmware to guard against vulnerabilities.
Avoid using public or compromised machines—malware can attempt to trick or mislead your actions, though it cannot bypass the hardware device checks.

Getting Started with Ledger Live Desktop

Here’s how to begin using Ledger Live Desktop step by step:

Visit the official Ledger site and download the desktop version for your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux).
Install and open the application.
Connect your Ledger hardware wallet and unlock it with your PIN.
If your device is new, initialize it and record your recovery phrase offline. If it’s existing, just unlock it.
Use the Manager to install blockchain apps, then add accounts corresponding to your assets.
Start sending, receiving, staking, swapping, or viewing NFTs—always approving actions on the device itself.
If you shift to a new device later, restore via your recovery phrase (if needed). Keep that phrase safe offline.

FAQ & Troubleshooting

Can I manage all my blockchains from Desktop?

Yes. Ledger Live Desktop supports thousands of coins and tokens across many blockchains, with regular updates to expand support. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

What if my device is not detected?

Try changing USB cable or port, reboot both computer and device, or reinstall the app. Make sure firmware and software versions are up to date. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

What if Ledger Live crashes or is corrupted?

You can safely reinstall Ledger Live—your funds remain safe as long as your recovery phrase is intact and private keys always reside on your device.

How do I spot a fake Ledger Live app?

Watch for these red flags: • It prompts you for your recovery phrase • It’s downloaded from an unofficial site • The app’s interface or messaging seems off • It requests unusual permissions or actions Always verify the site, digital signatures, and hashes. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Is Ledger Live Desktop free?

Yes — the application is free to use. Ledger’s revenue comes from hardware sales and optional third‑party integrations, not app licensing.