Download Ledger Live Desktop to manage assets with confidence. Integrates with Ledger hardware wallets to keep private keys in a Secure Element while giving you a polished interface for sending, receiving, staking, and tracking portfolio performance.
Ledger Live Desktop is the cornerstone application for Ledger hardware wallet users. It brings together portfolio tracking, transaction management, app installations, firmware updates, and integrations with partners — all while ensuring your private keys never leave the device. This page guides you through downloading, installing, and using Ledger Live Desktop safely and effectively.
It provides a secure hub to manage multiple accounts across many chains, handles firmware and app management for your Ledger device, and provides in-app tools like staking and swap integrations while keeping keys isolated in the Secure Element.
Every Ledger hardware user benefits: beginners get an approachable interface; experienced users gain advanced controls, exportable history, and integrations for staking and DeFi access.
Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Mobile Ledger Live exists too, but this page focuses on the desktop experience for full feature access.
Ledger Live Desktop never stores private keys. The app communicates with the Ledger device; all signing and key material remain inside the Secure Element. Confirm every transaction on-device.
Private keys reside in the device’s Secure Element. Ledger Live Desktop acts as a user interface and orchestrator but never exposes keys. Signing requires manual confirmation on your Ledger device, which mitigates host compromise risk.
Track total holdings across supported assets, view historical performance, and export transaction history for accounting and taxes. Price and market data are provided by selected backends, while keys remain isolated.
Install official coin apps on your Ledger device and safely apply firmware updates. Ledger Live Desktop verifies update signatures and prompts for on-device confirmations during critical operations.
Generate and verify receive addresses on-device and review transaction details on the Ledger screen before approving. Ledger Live Desktop helps avoid common host-level address substitution attacks.
Stake supported assets through trusted partner integrations directly from Ledger Live Desktop. You retain custody while participating in network validation and earning rewards.
Access swap services, DeFi interfaces, and NFT marketplaces through vetted integrations. These services execute off-device while Ledger Live Desktop ensures approval happens physically on your hardware.
Always download Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger site. Confirm the URL in your address bar and avoid links from unsolicited emails or messages. Official installers are signed; verify signatures where supported by your OS.
Run the downloaded installer and follow standard OS prompts. On first launch, Ledger Live Desktop will guide you through onboarding: choose to set up a new device, restore from recovery phrase, or connect an existing device.
Connect a Nano S Plus via USB or pair a Nano X via Bluetooth. Ledger Live Desktop will detect your device and help with firmware checks, PIN setup, and recovery phrase creation or restoration. Complete all prompts and confirm on-device displays for security.
Protect your keys and backups
Layered defenses and cautious operational habits dramatically reduce risk. For high-value holdings, consider advanced options like passphrases, multi-signature wallets, and geographically separated backups.
Passphrases create hidden wallets tied to the same recovery phrase but with an added secret. They enhance privacy and segregation of funds but must be handled as a distinct secret — losing the passphrase means permanently losing access to those accounts.
For institutional or very high-value personal custody, consider multi-signature setups. Ledger Live Desktop can interact with multi-signature frameworks via compatible third-party integrations; such setups distribute trust and reduce single-point-of-failure risk.
For maximum privacy and sovereignty, connect Ledger Live Desktop to your own full node where supported. This reduces reliance on third-party backends for blockchain data and improves auditability.
Ledger Live Desktop is designed to be used with a Ledger hardware wallet. Without a device, many features are limited because the Secure Element is central to security. You can, however, explore the interface in guest modes for learning purposes.
Yes. Install Ledger Live Desktop on any number of trusted machines. Your accounts are derived from your recovery phrase stored on the device; simply connect the device to each instance when needed.
If your recovery phrase is secure, you can restore your wallet on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet. If both the device and recovery phrase are lost, funds are unrecoverable.
Use official Ledger support channels and documentation. Never share your recovery phrase or PIN over email, chat, or phone; support agents will not ask for these secrets.