Official Site® | Ledger Live Desktop – Secure Crypto Management

Ledger Live Desktop — the official app to securely manage your crypto and pair with Ledger hardware wallets for offline key storage.

Overview: Ledger Live Desktop

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application provided by Ledger to manage cryptocurrency assets securely. It works in tandem with Ledger hardware wallets — Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, and others — to keep private keys isolated from the internet. Ledger Live Desktop enables users to add accounts for many blockchains, view their portfolio in a single view, send and receive assets, install coin-specific apps on their device, stake supported tokens, and use third-party services for buying or swapping crypto directly inside the app.

On this page: Download & Requirements • Install & Setup • Key Features • Security Best Practices • Troubleshooting • FAQs

Download & system requirements

To get Ledger Live Desktop, always visit the official Ledger website and choose the correct installer for your operating system. Ledger Live Desktop supports Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.14 or later, and popular Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora. The Ledger Live download package includes desktop helper components needed to communicate with your Ledger device via USB or Bluetooth (for Bluetooth-capable devices).

Search intents like "Ledger Live Desktop download", "official Ledger Live", or "Ledger Live desktop app" usually indicate users seeking official installers. Prioritize genuine sources when distributing or linking to Ledger Live Desktop in content for search engines.

Install, setup & first-run

Installing Ledger Live Desktop is a quick process. After downloading the correct package, run the installer and follow prompts. On first run you'll be guided to either set up a new Ledger device or connect an existing one. If you're initializing a new device, the setup will walk you through creating a PIN, generating a recovery phrase, and securing backup steps.

1
Download: Navigate to the official site and click the Ledger Live Desktop download button for Windows, macOS, or Linux.
2
Install: Run the installer. On Linux, you may use AppImage or .deb. Grant permissions as requested.
3
Connect: Connect your Ledger hardware wallet via USB (or Bluetooth for supported models), unlock it with your PIN, and open the appropriate cryptocurrency app on the device when prompted.

Core features of Ledger Live Desktop

Ledger Live Desktop is rich with features designed to simplify secure crypto management while keeping users’ keys offline:

Portfolio Dashboard
See the value of all your accounts and token balances in one place with historical charts.
Accounts Management
Add multiple accounts per blockchain, manage addresses, label accounts for clarity.
Send & Receive
Create transactions on the desktop, sign them physically on your Ledger device, and broadcast them securely.
Manager
Install and uninstall coin apps on your Ledger device directly via Ledger Live Desktop.
Buy, Swap & Stake
Integrated third-party services allow buying and swapping tokens; staking options available for supported assets.
Security Center
Verify firmware, check device authenticity, and follow recommended safety steps from the app.

Security best practices

Ledger Live Desktop is built to keep your private keys off the internet, but user practices matter. Follow these best practices to protect your crypto:

  • Official downloads only: Always use the official Ledger Live Desktop download to avoid malicious tampered installers.
  • Secure recovery phrase: Your recovery phrase (seed) is the ultimate backup — keep it offline, never photograph it or store it digitally.
  • Firmware & app updates: Install firmware updates via Ledger Live Desktop when available, and read release notes before updating.
  • Device PIN & passphrase: Use a strong PIN, and consider an additional passphrase for advanced separation of accounts.
  • Verify transactions on-device: Always check recipient address and amount on your Ledger device screen before approving.

Troubleshooting common issues

Encountering connection or sync problems with Ledger Live Desktop? Try these standard fixes:

1
Check cable & port: Use an original or high-quality USB cable and avoid hubs. Swap ports if needed.
2
Restart & reconnect: Close Ledger Live Desktop, unplug the device, restart your machine, then reconnect.
3
Open the right app: For blockchain-specific actions (e.g., Ethereum), open the corresponding app on the Ledger device before syncing or sending.
4
Reinstall if corrupted: Re-download Ledger Live Desktop from the official source and reinstall if files appear corrupted.

If problems persist, contact Ledger support or consult official documentation and community forums for help tailored to your OS and device model.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Ledger Live Desktop free to use?
Yes, Ledger Live Desktop is free to download and use. Blockchain network fees and third-party service charges (for buy/swap) still apply.
2. Where can I download Ledger Live Desktop?
Download Ledger Live Desktop only from the official Ledger website or recognized app stores. Verify checksums and signatures if provided.
3. Can Ledger Live Desktop restore a wallet from a recovery phrase?
Yes, Ledger Live Desktop can guide you through device initialization and restore using your recovery phrase, but you must enter the seed on the Ledger device itself, not the computer.
4. What should I do if Ledger Live Desktop cannot detect my device?
Try a new cable, different USB port, ensure the device is unlocked, open the appropriate coin app on-device, and restart Ledger Live Desktop. If unresolved, reinstall the app or consult support.
5. Is Ledger Live Desktop compatible with multiple Ledger devices?
Yes. You can connect multiple Ledger devices to the same Ledger Live Desktop installation and manage accounts from each device independently.

SEO & indexing tips for site owners

If you are publishing content about Ledger Live Desktop—use precise keywords like "Ledger Live Desktop", "Official Ledger Live download", and "Ledger Live desktop guide". Provide clear instructions, link to the official Ledger site for downloads, and avoid repeating brand names excessively in unnatural ways; search engines favour high-quality helpful content. Use structured data (JSON-LD) to mark up software application info for enhanced search results.

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "SoftwareApplication",
  "name": "Ledger Live Desktop",
  "operatingSystem": "Windows, macOS, Linux",
  "applicationCategory": "FinanceApplication",
  "description": "Ledger Live Desktop is the official software to manage Ledger hardware wallets and crypto assets securely."
}

Final thoughts

Ledger Live Desktop provides a robust, centralized interface to manage your hardware wallet accounts and crypto assets. By pairing a desktop app with the physical security of a Ledger device, users get the convenience of modern portfolio tools while keeping private keys isolated from networked environments. Follow the security steps above, always use official downloads, and verify device authenticity to maximize protection.