Ledger Live: Desktop® — Secure Crypto Management Platform

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application that connects to your Ledger hardware wallet. It provides a secure environment to manage multiple crypto accounts, sign transactions, monitor your portfolio, stake assets, and interact with partner services — all while keeping private keys safely on the hardware device.

Why choose Ledger Live Desktop?

Desktop environments remain a preferred choice for many crypto users due to their larger screens, keyboard input, and better control over networking and privacy. Ledger Live Desktop brings Ledger’s security-first approach to that environment: it acts as a local interface, while the Ledger device stores and protects your private keys. The design reduces attack surface by ensuring sensitive operations — such as signing transactions or revealing a recovery phrase — are performed only on the hardware wallet.

Core features

Account management: add and manage multiple accounts across Bitcoin, Ethereum, and hundreds of other supported blockchains.
Transaction signing: prepare transactions in Ledger Live and approve them on-device; private keys never leave the hardware wallet.
Portfolio & tracking: consolidated portfolio view, historical charts, and real-time price updates.
App Manager: install or remove blockchain-specific apps on your Ledger device (e.g., Bitcoin app, Ethereum app).
Integrated services: staking, swapping, and dApp connections via Ledger’s vetted partners.
Local settings & privacy controls: telemetry settings, node options for advanced users, and granular preferences.

Getting started — download & install

Download Ledger Live Desktop from Ledger’s official downloads page and choose the correct installer for Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Run the installer and follow the setup instructions.
Open Ledger Live and select Get started. Choose whether you are setting up a new device or restoring an existing one from a recovery phrase.

Security tip: verify you are on the official ledger.com domain before downloading. Avoid third-party mirrors and search ads which can be used to distribute fake installers.

Device onboarding & recovery

Ledger Live Desktop will instruct you to connect and unlock your Ledger device. During initial setup, the device generates a recovery phrase (commonly 24 words) and asks you to set a PIN. Write the recovery phrase down in order on a physical medium — never store it digitally or photograph it. If you ever need to replace your device, you can recover your accounts from this recovery phrase on a new Ledger or compatible hardware wallet.

Never enter your recovery phrase into Ledger Live or any website. Ledger staff will never ask for your recovery phrase.

Adding accounts and using the Manager

Open the Manager tab in Ledger Live Desktop to install the apps your device needs for specific blockchains. After installing an app, go to Accounts → Add account to add the account into Ledger Live. The app you install on-device interacts with the Ledger Live Desktop to display balances and transaction history; signing always happens on-device.

Sending & receiving securely

Receive

Use the Receive button to display an address for a chosen account. Always verify the address both in Ledger Live Desktop and on your device screen — this confirms that malware on your computer has not altered the address.

Send

Create a transaction in Ledger Live Desktop, choose fees, and confirm the recipient address. The app will prompt you to confirm and sign the transaction on your Ledger device. The private key signs the transaction internally; Ledger Live Desktop only transmits the signed transaction to the network.

Advanced desktop options

Power users can customize certain behaviors in Ledger Live Desktop:

Choose to run Ledger Live through a local node or use a preferred third-party node for added privacy.
Adjust telemetry and analytics sharing settings under privacy preferences.
Enable developer options for experimental features (use with caution).

Integrated services: staking, swapping & dApps

Ledger Live Desktop connects to vetted partners for staking, swaps, and decentralized app interactions. These services allow you to stake supported assets to earn rewards, swap tokens without leaving the app, and connect to dApps while keeping transaction approval on-device. Always review partner terms and verify transaction details on your device before signing.

Security best practices for desktop users

Only download Ledger Live Desktop from the official ledger.com site.
Keep Ledger device firmware and Ledger Live Desktop up to date; updates often include security fixes.
Verify addresses and transaction details on the device screen before approving.
Use a dedicated device or clean environment for large or frequent transfers.
Consider a hardware or offline backup for critical recovery phrases (steel backups).
Beware of phishing: do not follow links in unsolicited emails or social media messages claiming to be Ledger support.

Troubleshooting common desktop issues

Ledger Live Desktop not recognizing my device

Try a known-good USB cable and a different USB port. Ensure the device is unlocked and the correct app is running on the device. On some systems, drivers or system permissions may block access — follow official Ledger troubleshooting steps. Avoid installing unknown third-party drivers.

Sync or balance discrepancies

Refresh accounts in Ledger Live Desktop and ensure the required apps are installed on your Ledger device. Re-adding an account can resolve stale data while preserving on-device keys.

Failed firmware update

Reconnect the device, restart Ledger Live Desktop, and retry the update. If the device becomes unresponsive, consult Ledger's official recovery instructions; the device includes recovery safeguards.

Privacy & data handling

Ledger Live Desktop communicates with blockchain nodes and partner services to fetch account information, prices, and transaction data. Users concerned about privacy may choose to run Ledger Live with their own node or adjust telemetry settings. Check the privacy options in app settings to limit data sharing.

FAQ — desktop edition

Do I need an account to use Ledger Live Desktop?

No. Ledger Live Desktop is a local application that pairs with your Ledger hardware device. Your funds are secured by the device and the recovery phrase.

Can I use Ledger Live Desktop on multiple machines?

Yes. Ledger Live Desktop can be installed on multiple computers. Your accounts are derived from your recovery phrase and the device — install Ledger Live on another machine and connect your device to access the same accounts.

What if I want to stop using Ledger Live Desktop?

You can uninstall Ledger Live Desktop at any time. Your funds remain secure as long as you retain the recovery phrase; you can pair your Ledger device with alternate wallets or reinstall Ledger Live later.