Ledger Live Desktop® — Secure Crypto Management Platform

Official desktop companion for Ledger hardware wallets — manage, transact, stake, and update securely.
Keep private keys on-device • Verify downloads • Approve on-device

Overview — Ledger Live Desktop in a nutshell

Ledger Live Desktop® is the official application that pairs with Ledger hardware wallets to provide a powerful, local-first interface for managing cryptocurrency assets. It enables account management, transaction signing, buying and selling through trusted partners, staking, portfolio tracking, and firmware management — all while ensuring your private keys never leave the Ledger hardware device.

Download Ledger Live Start / Setup

Why choose Ledger Live Desktop?

The core promise is separation: a polished software interface (Ledger Live) plus hardware-protected private keys (your Ledger device). This reduces attack surface and gives you custody with real-world usability. Ledger Live Desktop is designed for users ranging from beginners to professional traders who want a secure, local application that integrates essential crypto workflows without exposing keys to the internet.

Core capabilities

Account Management

Create multiple accounts per coin, view balance history, export transaction history, and keep financial records tidy.

Buy, Sell & Swap

Access integrated, vetted partners directly inside Ledger Live for fiat on/off ramps and swaps; partners vary by region and have their own fees and KYC requirements.

Staking & Earn

Stake supported assets to earn yields while retaining custody. Ledger Live shows estimated rewards and validator details where available.

Device & Firmware Management

Install coin apps, update firmware, and check device integrity. Firmware updates are signed and verified through Ledger Live.

Getting started — installation & first time setup

Download Ledger Live Desktop from the official page and install the build that matches your operating system. After installing, open Ledger Live and follow the guided flow to connect your Ledger device. You can initialize a new device, recover an existing wallet using your recovery phrase, or connect an already-initialized device for account sync.

  1. Download Ledger Live from the official link above and install it.
  2. Connect your Ledger device (use the official cable) and follow on-screen instructions.
  3. Create or recover a wallet, write down your recovery phrase, and set a device PIN.
  4. Install required coin apps on-device via Ledger Live and add accounts in the app.
  5. Perform small test receive/send to validate the end-to-end flow.

Security model explained

Ledger Live constructs transactions locally, but transactions must be signed on the Ledger device. The device displays transaction details and requires physical confirmation — this ensures a compromised host cannot approve transfers without physical access. Protect your recovery phrase offline; Ledger staff will never ask for it.

Practical security tips

  • Always download Ledger Live from ledger.com.
  • Store your recovery phrase offline on paper or metal; never photograph or store it digitally.
  • Enable a device PIN and consider passphrase-protected wallets after understanding the trade-offs.
  • Verify addresses on the device display before approving transactions.
  • Use a dedicated browser profile or machine for significant financial activity.

Troubleshooting common issues

If Ledger Live Desktop does not detect your device, try a data-capable USB cable and a different USB port, restart the application, or try another machine. For web-based flows, ensure Trezor/Bridge-like connectivity tools (if applicable) are installed — Ledger Live Desktop normally does not require Bridge but keep firmware and app versions current.

Quick fixes

  • Swap USB cable or port — cheap cables often cause connection failures.
  • Restart Ledger Live and reconnect the device.
  • Confirm device firmware is up to date via Ledger Live.
  • Consult official support if persistent issues arise.

Advanced workflows & integrations

Power users can work with PSBT workflows for air-gapped signing, integrate Ledger devices with other wallets and services, and connect Ledger Live to third-party analytics or tax tools for portfolio reporting. Developers and integrators should consult Ledger developer resources to ensure secure implementations and follow best practices for key custody.

Official resources — bookmark these 10 links

Use these official Ledger pages for downloads, support, documentation, legal and developer resources:

Ledger Live — Download Ledger.com/Start — Setup Ledger Support Official Shop Ledger Learn Developers Service Status Ledger Blog Contact & Legal Help Articles

Final recommendations

Ledger Live Desktop is the central, secure interface for Ledger hardware wallets. By observing simple but effective security habits — official downloads, offline recovery backups, on-device verification, and careful handling of firmware updates — you get both convenience and strong custody. For larger holdings consider multi-signature setups or cold-storage strategies in addition to a Ledger device. Always use official channels for help and never share your recovery phrase or PIN.

Prepared as a landing-style overview and getting-started guide for Ledger Live Desktop®. For account or device-specific help use the official Support link above.