Overview — What is Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a local interface to add and manage accounts, send and receive cryptocurrencies, install blockchain apps on your Ledger device, track your portfolio, and interact with supported services such as staking and swaps — while your private keys remain offline on the Ledger device.
Why use Ledger Live Desktop?
- Security-first design: private keys never leave your hardware device — Ledger Live only acts as the management interface.
- All-in-one management: accounts, portfolio, device manager, and third-party integrations in one app.
- Local control: the app runs on your machine; combined with a hardware wallet this minimizes exposure to remote attacks.
- Official updates: firmware and app updates are delivered through Ledger Live ensuring compatibility and security improvements.
Before you download — safety checklist
Follow these precautions before downloading or installing Ledger Live Desktop to reduce risk:
- Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Avoid third-party mirrors.
- Verify the installer hash/signature if you require extra assurance.
- Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase into any computer, website, or application.
- Keep your recovery phrase offline and in a secure location — consider a metal backup for durability.
- Use a personal, updated computer rather than public or shared systems.
Supported platforms & system requirements
Ledger Live Desktop supports modern 64-bit versions of Windows, macOS, and many Linux distributions. Mobile versions are available for iOS and Android. Check the official Ledger documentation for the latest supported OS versions and hardware compatibility.
Step-by-step: Download and install Ledger Live Desktop
1. Navigate to the official download page
Open your browser and visit the official Ledger Live download page on Ledger's website. Confirm you are on the correct domain and avoid links from unfamiliar sources.
2. Choose your platform
Select the installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). For mobile, use the official app store (App Store / Google Play).
3. (Optional) Verify the file
If you want extra assurance, compare the file hash/signature against Ledger’s published values. This step helps detect tampered installers.
4. Install the app
Run the downloaded installer and follow platform-specific prompts. On macOS, drag the app into /Applications. On Windows, run the .exe and accept the installer dialog.
5. Launch and onboard
Open Ledger Live and follow the onboarding flow. Choose to set up a new device or connect an existing Ledger hardware wallet. Don't enter recovery words into the app — initialization steps happen on the device itself.
Connecting your Ledger device
Connect your Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth where supported). Unlock the device with your PIN and open the appropriate blockchain app on the device (for example, open the Ethereum app to manage ETH accounts). Ledger Live will request you to confirm addresses and sign transactions directly on the hardware — always verify the displayed address on the device screen before approving.
Adding and managing accounts
In Ledger Live, go to Accounts → Add account, choose the currency, and follow the prompts. Ledger Live will scan the blockchain for addresses associated with your device and display account balances and transaction history. You can add multiple accounts for different blockchains and tokens.
Send, receive, and sign transactions
To receive funds, use the Receive flow and verify the address on your device. To send funds, prepare the transaction in Ledger Live, then sign it on your Ledger device. The device display is the single source of truth for what you approve — never sign transactions without checking the details on-device.
Device manager & app installation
The Manager section in Ledger Live lets you install and remove blockchain apps on your Ledger device (e.g., Bitcoin, Solana, Ethereum). Only install apps you need and keep the number of installed apps within device storage limits. Firmware updates are delivered through Ledger Live; apply them only while your device remains connected and do not interrupt the process.
Troubleshooting — common issues
Ledger Live won't detect my device
Try a different USB cable and port, ensure your device is unlocked, and that the correct blockchain app is open on the device. Restart Ledger Live and your computer if necessary.
Update or firmware errors
If an update fails, close Ledger Live, reconnect the device, and retry. Follow official recovery instructions if a firmware upgrade is interrupted.
Missing balance or transactions
Confirm you are on the mainnet (not a testnet), and allow Ledger Live to resynchronize the account. Toggling the account off and on can force a fresh scan.
Security best practices
- Keep your 24-word recovery phrase offline and never share it. No legitimate support person will ask for it.
- Use a strong device PIN and consider extra protection such as passphrase features only if you understand them.
- Verify downloads and installer signatures for extra safety.
- Prefer using a personal, kept-updated computer for cryptographic operations rather than public devices.
- Consider hardware backups and plated metal backups for recovery phrases where available.
Disclaimer
This guide titled Ledger Live Desktop - Secure Crypto Management App | Ledger is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or security advice. Software, firmware, and procedures change over time — always consult official Ledger documentation and support channels for the latest instructions. You are responsible for safeguarding your recovery phrase and device. Ledger or third-party services may change features or requirements without notice.
Next steps & resources
If you want a downloadable version, a CMS-friendly markdown file, or a dark-mode CSS variant, tell me which option you prefer and I will prepare it. You can also provide your official support URL if you want the download button linked directly to your resources.