Overview
Ledger Live Desktop is the secure, user-friendly application that lets you manage your cryptocurrency portfolio from your computer with confidence and convenience. Built by Ledger, it combines a modern interface with robust security principles to provide an experience tailored for both newcomers and experienced crypto users. With Ledger Live Desktop you can connect your Ledger hardware wallet, check balances across accounts, send and receive supported cryptocurrencies, and update firmware safely — all from one consolidated desktop application.
Quick setup and device pairing
Installation is straightforward: download Ledger Live Desktop for Windows, macOS, or Linux, follow the guided setup, and pair your Ledger hardware device using the provided prompts. During setup, the app walks you through essential security steps such as verifying your device’s authenticity, confirming your recovery phrase location, and creating a secure PIN on the hardware device. Ledger Live Desktop keeps sensitive operations on the device itself — private keys never leave your Ledger hardware wallet — which significantly reduces exposure to remote attacks.
Core features
Managing assets is intuitive. The main dashboard shows an aggregated portfolio view, including total portfolio value, recent activity, and price charts. Each supported asset has a dedicated account page where you can view transaction history, address book entries, and receive funds by showing a verified receiving address directly on your hardware device. Sending crypto requires confirming transaction details on the hardware device, which prevents remote tampering and protects you from phishing or malware that might attempt to alter transaction destinations.
Device manager & firmware
Ledger Live Desktop integrates a built-in manager that helps you install or remove apps directly on your Ledger device. These device apps enable support for specific blockchains and tokens. The manager also prompts when firmware updates are available; keeping the firmware up to date is essential for security and compatibility. Ledger Live Desktop applies best practices in update delivery and verifies updates cryptographically so you can be confident that only authentic firmware is installed on your device.
Security & privacy
Security-first features extend beyond the hardware. Ledger Live Desktop offers options for subscription to market price feeds and portfolio synchronization using encrypted backups. All sensitive communications are encrypted end-to-end where possible, and Ledger adheres to a principle of minimal data collection, only storing what is strictly necessary for the app’s functionality. For users who prefer extra privacy, Ledger Live Desktop supports local-only modes that avoid cloud syncing entirely, allowing you to operate with fewer external dependencies.
Advanced & developer features
For developers and power users, Ledger Live Desktop exposes advanced features such as custom derivation paths, developer tools for advanced transaction construction, and integration options with third-party decentralized applications through safe, user-approved connectors. When interacting with decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and smart contracts, Ledger Live Desktop ensures that the final transaction payload is displayed on the ledger device for physical confirmation. This reduces the risk of signing malicious or tampered transactions.
Supported assets & integrations
The app supports a wide selection of cryptocurrencies and tokens, regularly adding support for emerging chains following rigorous security and compatibility checks. Ledger Live Desktop also provides a marketplace of trusted integrations that include swap services, staking partners, and other custodial or non-custodial services vetted by Ledger. These integrations display clear disclaimers, fees, and terms so users can make informed choices when using third-party services.
User experience & accessibility
User experience is a priority. Ledger Live Desktop’s interface blends clean visual design with meaningful feedback and accessibility features. Dark and light themes are available, and typography and color choices are selected to support readability for long sessions. Built-in help resources, step-by-step tutorials, and links to the Ledger knowledge base assist users when they need instructions for tasks like restoring a device from a recovery phrase or troubleshooting connectivity issues.
Support & best practices
When issues arise, Ledger provides official support channels and community forums where users can seek guidance. Ledger Live Desktop includes diagnostic tools that help collect non-sensitive logs which, with user consent, can be shared with support teams to speed up issue resolution. Ledger emphasizes never asking for a user’s recovery phrase; authentic support procedures never request that a user disclose private seed words.
Final notes
If you’re considering Ledger Live Desktop, always ensure you download the application from Ledger’s official distribution channels and verify digital signatures when prompted. Scammers frequently create counterfeit applications and phishing websites to steal funds. Ledger provides guides and verification steps in-app and on the official website to help you confirm authenticity.