Ledger Live Desktop: Secure, Simple & Hardware-Backed

This guide covers Ledger® Live Desktop — features, download sources, setup steps, security best practices, and integrations. Always use official Ledger™ resources for downloads and support.

Ledger® Live Desktop is the official desktop application developed by Ledger™ to provide a secure interface for interacting with your hardware wallet. Built for safety and usability, Ledger Live Desktop keeps your private keys stored inside the device’s Secure Element. This means that sensitive signing operations happen on the hardware wallet, not on your computer, reducing exposure to malware and phishing.

Core reasons to use Ledger Live Desktop

Ledger Live Desktop is designed for users who want a reliable, local app experience with advanced features:

  • Hardware-backed security: All private keys remain on the Ledger device; approvals are confirmed physically on the device screen.
  • Comprehensive asset support: Manage more than 5,500 cryptocurrencies and tokens from one place.
  • Integrated services: Buy, swap, and stake within Ledger Live using verified partners — without exposing keys.
  • Firmware & device management: Apply firmware updates securely and manage multiple devices and accounts.

Download & installation

Always download Ledger Live Desktop from Ledger’s official page to ensure you receive authentic, up-to-date installers:

Choose your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux), install following the prompts, then connect your Ledger hardware device via USB (or Bluetooth for Ledger Nano X) and follow the on-screen setup.

Step-by-step setup (quick)

  1. Download Ledger Live Desktop from the official page and install it.
  2. Initialize your Ledger device or recover a wallet using your 24-word recovery phrase (do this offline and never share the phrase).
  3. Open Ledger Live, connect the device, and add accounts for the cryptocurrencies you hold.
  4. Use Ledger Live to view balances, send/receive, swap tokens, stake coins and update device firmware (confirm each action on your Ledger device).

Security best practices

Protecting your crypto starts with safe habits:

  • Download Ledger Live Desktop only from ledger.com/ledger-live.
  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger™ support will never ask for it.
  • Keep firmware and Ledger Live up to date; verify update prompts on the device screen.
  • Buy Ledger devices only from shop.ledger.com or authorized resellers to avoid tampered devices.

Ledger Live & Web3 integrations

Ledger Live Desktop supports connections to the Web3 ecosystem via integrations like WalletConnect and compatible browser solutions. You can safely interact with decentralized applications (dApps), NFT marketplaces, and DeFi protocols while signing transactions on your Ledger device.

Disclaimer: This article is informational and complements official Ledger™ documentation. Always follow official guides at ledger.com. Cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible — secure your recovery phrase and device.

Resources & Quick Links

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use Ledger Live Desktop on multiple computers?
A: Yes. Install Ledger Live Desktop on multiple trusted machines and connect your Ledger device. Your private keys remain on the device; Ledger Live only manages accounts and views.
Q: Do I need Ledger Live Desktop for staking?
A: Ledger Live Desktop supports staking for many assets directly in-app. Some advanced DeFi operations may require connecting to external dApps using WalletConnect with device signing.
Q: Where can I get help?
A: Visit the Ledger Support Center at support.ledger.com or consult official guides at ledger.com/start.