Ledger Live Desktop — Official App

Secure desktop companion for Ledger hardware wallets — manage, transact, and update safely.
Official Ledger Live Desktop — install, connect your device, and keep custody of your keys.

Overview — What Ledger Live Desktop does for you

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application that pairs with Ledger hardware wallets to give you a local, feature-rich interface for managing cryptocurrency. It is built to keep your private keys isolated on your Ledger device while providing a polished dashboard for accounts, transactions, staking, device management, and security checks. Ledger Live Desktop centralizes common wallet workflows without requiring your keys to ever leave the hardware device.

Download Ledger Live Get Started / Setup

Key features & capabilities

Account Management

Create and manage multiple accounts per coin, view balance history, and export transactions for accounting or tax tools.

Buy, Sell & Swap

Integrated partners allow on-ramps and off-ramps directly in the app. Swap features let you exchange assets without exposing private keys.

Staking & Earn

Stake supported assets from Ledger Live and view rewards, validator information, and unbonding periods — all while signing on-device.

Device & Firmware Management

Install coin apps, verify device authenticity, and apply firmware updates with signed packages delivered through Ledger Live.

Installation & first-time setup

Download the official Ledger Live Desktop installer for your operating system from the Ledger website. After installing, open the app and follow the guided flow to connect your Ledger device. During the first run you can initialize a new device, recover from a recovery phrase, or simply connect an already-initialized hardware wallet.

  1. Visit the official Ledger Live download page. (Use the link above.)
  2. Install the download that matches your OS and launch Ledger Live Desktop.
  3. Connect your Ledger hardware device with the official cable and follow the on-screen prompts.
  4. Set a device PIN on your Ledger and, if needed, recover or create a new wallet.

Why verify the download?

Always confirm you are on ledger.com and prefer bookmarks for official links. Verifying the download source prevents phishing and supply-chain attacks that try to substitute malicious installers for the real Ledger Live binary.

Security-first design

Ledger Live Desktop follows the core security model: user interface and network interactions happen in software, while all sensitive signing operations are performed on the Ledger hardware device. The device requires a PIN and physical button confirmations for every transaction, keeping remote attackers from authorizing transfers even if the host computer is compromised.

Practical safety tips

  • Never enter your recovery phrase into Ledger Live or any website — recovery is performed on the device only.
  • Keep your recovery phrase offline and backed up securely (paper or steel backup recommended).
  • Use a strong, unique PIN for your Ledger device and consider passphrase-protected wallets only if you understand the risks.
  • Keep Ledger Live and your device firmware updated; updates include security fixes and new features.

Daily workflows — how users typically use Ledger Live Desktop

Most users check balances, receive funds, send transactions, and review portfolio changes. For those buying or selling, Ledger Live integrates partner services; for staking, Ledger Live shows expected returns and manages delegation. Before approving any action, always verify the transaction details displayed on the hardware device screen.

Address & transaction verification

Attackers sometimes attempt to alter addresses on the host side. Ledger mitigates this by showing the full destination address on the device; never approve a transaction unless the on-device address matches the intended recipient.

Troubleshooting common issues

If your device is not detected: try another USB cable or port, restart Ledger Live Desktop, or reboot your machine. Ensure you are using the official installer and that firmware is up to date. If you encounter persistent issues, consult official support instead of third-party advice that requests seeds or sensitive data.

Quick fixes

  • Use a different USB cable — data-only cables are required (some charge-only cables will not work).
  • Close competing wallet apps that may grab USB connections.
  • Confirm operating system permissions (macOS/Linux may require grant for USB/HID access).

Advanced uses & integrations

Power users can combine Ledger Live Desktop with PSBT workflows for air-gapped signing, use multiple devices for segregation of duties, or connect Ledger devices to full-node setups via supported integrations. Developers should consult the official developer resources when building integrations and respect the security model: never request the user’s recovery phrase.

Official resources (bookmark these 10 links)

Use only these official resources for downloads, help, and developer documentation:

Ledger Live — Desktop & Mobile Ledger.com/Start Ledger Support Center Official Ledger Shop Ledger Learn — Guides Developers — Docs & SDKs Service Status Ledger Blog Community Forum Contact & Legal

Final recommendations

Ledger Live Desktop provides a robust, secure environment to manage your crypto while keeping custody with Ledger hardware wallets. Adopt a security-first mindset: verify downloads, protect your recovery phrase offline, confirm transactions on-device, and use official support channels for issues. With these habits you keep control of your assets without sacrificing convenience.

Prepared as a landing-style overview for Ledger Live Desktop — follow the official links above for downloads, documentation, and support.