Ledger Live Desktop — Manage your crypto securely from your computer

Ledger Live Desktop is the local application companion for Ledger hardware wallets. It lets you view balances, send and receive assets, stake supported tokens, access dApps via Manager, and keep your private keys offline — all from a polished desktop experience.

What Ledger Live Desktop does

Ledger Live Desktop provides a single, secure interface to:

  • Connect to your Ledger hardware device (Nano S, Nano X or other compatible models) to sign transactions offline.
  • Track portfolio value across multiple blockchains and tokens with live price updates and charts.
  • Buy, sell, swap, and stake supported assets using integrated partners.
  • Install and manage apps on your Ledger device using the built-in Manager.
  • Access developer and advanced settings (e.g., custom node connections) when needed.

Getting started — setup overview

Install the desktop application for macOS, Windows or Linux, then follow the on-screen setup. Key steps:

  1. Create or restore your Ledger hardware wallet using its seed phrase. The seed must remain offline and private.
  2. Install Ledger Live Desktop and pair it with your device via USB or Bluetooth (device-dependent).
  3. Use the Manager to install blockchain apps on your device (for example Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana).
  4. Add accounts in Ledger Live to start tracking balances and receive addresses.

Tip: Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and verify package signatures if you are on a sensitive system.

Security model — why private keys never leave your device

Ledger Live Desktop acts as a secure interface: your private keys are stored inside your Ledger hardware device (the secure element). When you create a transaction in Ledger Live, the unsigned transaction is sent to the hardware wallet — the device displays the exact transaction details and requires physical confirmation before signing. This makes theft from a compromised computer far less likely.

Practical security tips:

  • Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase into a computer or phone. Only input it on the device during setup (and never share it).
  • Keep firmware and Ledger Live up to date to receive security and compatibility fixes.
  • Prefer ledger-backed accounts for long-term storage, and use hot wallets only for small, active balances.

Core features you’ll use daily

  • Portfolio view: Consolidated balances, historical performance, and asset breakdowns.
  • Receive & send: Generate addresses, request payments, and sign sends with your device.
  • Swap & Buy: Access integrated partners to exchange or purchase crypto without leaving the app.
  • Staking: Stake supported assets (e.g., Ethereum, Tezos) directly from Ledger Live to earn rewards while keeping keys offline.
  • Manager & Apps: Install blockchain apps and manage device storage from the Manager tab.
  • Account recovery: Restore accounts using your recovery phrase if you ever replace a device.

Advanced usage & developer notes

Advanced users can connect Ledger Live to custom nodes, enable experimental settings, or use the Ledger Connect APIs for dApp integrations. When interacting with dApps, always verify contract details on your Ledger device before approving transactions. For developers, Ledger provides libraries to integrate hardware wallet signing into web and desktop applications; keep dev secrets and environment variables out of public repos.

Common troubleshooting

If Ledger Live can’t detect your device:

  • Try a different USB cable or port. Some cables are power-only and do not transmit data.
  • Reboot your computer and reconnect the device.
  • Ensure the device firmware and Ledger Live are updated to compatible versions.
  • Check OS-level permissions (macOS / Windows) that could block USB or Bluetooth connections.

FAQ — quick answers

Can Ledger Live work without a Ledger device? You can browse Ledger Live features and view public information, but signing transactions requires a connected hardware device. Ledger Live is most secure when paired with a Ledger device.

Is staking available in desktop? Yes — supported assets can be staked from Ledger Live Desktop. Rewards and validator choices vary by chain.

What about privacy? Ledger Live queries public blockchain nodes and partner services for price data and swaps. For maximum privacy, consider running your own node and connecting Ledger Live to it.

Final thoughts

Ledger Live Desktop brings a polished, secure desktop experience to hardware wallet users. It balances usability with a security-first architecture: private keys stay on the device while Ledger Live orchestrates accounts, transactions, and integrations. Whether you’re tracking a multi-chain portfolio, staking, or exploring dApps, Ledger Live is designed to be the trusted companion to your Ledger hardware wallet.

Important disclaimer: This page provides general informational content about Ledger Live Desktop. It is not financial, legal, or security advice. Always perform your own research and follow official Ledger documentation for installation files, firmware updates, and recovery instructions. Ledger, crypto firms, and third-party integrations change over time — verify details with official sources before making financial decisions.