Ledger Live Desktop — Getting Started | Official Ledger Wallet
Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop app from Ledger that lets you securely manage your cryptocurrency portfolio from your computer. Designed for both beginners and advanced users, Ledger Live Desktop connects with your Ledger hardware wallet to ensure your private keys stay offline while you manage your assets safely.
Whether you want to send or receive crypto, track your portfolio, stake assets, or swap tokens, Ledger Live Desktop gives you a complete and secure management experience — all in one place.
What Is Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop is the desktop version of Ledger Live, available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It’s a powerful application that allows you to:
- Manage crypto accounts
- Send and receive digital assets
- Track portfolio performance
- Swap tokens securely
- Stake supported assets
- Install and manage coin apps on your Ledger device
Ledger Live Desktop works with Ledger hardware wallets (such as Ledger Nano X and Ledger Nano S Plus) to provide a secure interface for managing your crypto.
Why Choose Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop offers several key advantages over mobile or online wallets:
🔒 Stronger Security
Because Ledger Live Desktop is used on a personal computer, you can take additional security steps such as using a dedicated device, enabling firewall protection, and keeping your system offline when not in use.
🧠 More Advanced Features
Ledger Live Desktop supports more advanced account management and transaction tools, making it ideal for users who manage larger portfolios or multiple assets.
📊 Better Portfolio Tracking
The desktop dashboard provides a clear and detailed overview of your holdings, performance charts, and transaction history — all in one place.
🖥️ Comfortable Desktop Experience
Many users prefer managing crypto on a larger screen, especially when dealing with multiple accounts or complex transactions.
Supported Platforms
Ledger Live Desktop is available for:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
You can download Ledger Live Desktop directly from Ledger’s official website and install it in just a few minutes.
How Ledger Live Desktop Works
Ledger Live Desktop works by pairing with your Ledger hardware wallet. Here’s how it works:
- Install Ledger Live Desktop on your computer
- Connect your Ledger device using USB
- Unlock your device using your PIN
- Manage your crypto accounts securely
The key principle is that your private keys never leave your Ledger device, and every transaction must be confirmed physically on the device.
Key Features of Ledger Live Desktop
1. Secure Account Management
Ledger Live Desktop allows you to add and manage multiple crypto accounts. You can create accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and many other supported assets.
2. Send & Receive Crypto
Sending and receiving crypto is straightforward:
- Generate a receive address
- Confirm the address on your Ledger device
- Send funds securely without exposing your private keys
3. Portfolio Dashboard
The portfolio dashboard gives you a real-time view of:
- Total portfolio value
- Individual asset balances
- Performance charts
- Transaction history
4. Staking & Earning Rewards
Ledger Live Desktop supports staking for several networks, allowing you to earn rewards while keeping your assets secure.
5. Swap Tokens
The swap feature allows you to exchange one cryptocurrency for another within the app. Swaps are executed through trusted partners to keep your experience safe and simple.
6. Install Coin Apps
Ledger Live Desktop provides an app catalog to install specific coin apps onto your Ledger device. This allows you to manage more assets and interact with different blockchains.
Security Features of Ledger Live Desktop
Ledger Live Desktop is designed to be a secure environment for managing your crypto. Key security features include:
🔐 Hardware Wallet Integration
Private keys are stored offline on your Ledger device, not on your computer or Ledger Live.
🧾 Transaction Verification
Every transaction must be confirmed on the Ledger device, ensuring no unauthorized transfers can occur.
🛡️ Regular Updates
Ledger Live Desktop receives regular updates to add new features, support more assets, and improve security.
📌 Anti-Phishing Measures
Ledger Live Desktop helps protect you from phishing attacks by ensuring you download the app from the official Ledger website.
Getting Started with Ledger Live Desktop
Step 1 — Download Ledger Live Desktop
Visit the official Ledger website and download Ledger Live Desktop for your operating system.
Step 2 — Install the App
Follow the installation instructions for your platform.
Step 3 — Connect Your Ledger Device
Use a USB cable to connect your Ledger hardware wallet to your computer.
Step 4 — Add Accounts
Open Ledger Live Desktop and add accounts for the assets you want to manage.
Step 5 — Start Managing Your Crypto
You can now send, receive, stake, swap, and track your portfolio securely.
Ledger Live Desktop vs. Ledger Live Mobile
While Ledger Live Mobile is perfect for checking balances and managing crypto on the go, Ledger Live Desktop offers:
- More advanced features
- Better performance for large portfolios
- A larger screen for detailed analysis
- Enhanced security when used on a dedicated computer
Many users prefer using both — mobile for quick access and desktop for in-depth management.
Common Questions About Ledger Live Desktop
Q: Is Ledger Live Desktop free?
Yes. Ledger Live Desktop is free to download and use. You only pay network fees for transactions and swaps.
Q: Can I use Ledger Live Desktop without a Ledger device?
No. Ledger Live Desktop requires a Ledger hardware wallet to manage your accounts and sign transactions.
Q: What happens if I lose my Ledger device?
If your device is lost or damaged, you can restore your wallet on a new Ledger device using your 24-word recovery phrase.
Q: Is Ledger Live Desktop safe?
Yes. Ledger Live Desktop is designed with strong security, including offline private key storage and device-based transaction verification.
Best Practices for Using Ledger Live Desktop
To maximize security and performance:
- Use a dedicated computer for crypto management
- Keep your operating system updated
- Use a strong PIN and store your recovery phrase safely
- Download Ledger Live Desktop only from the official Ledger website
- Verify transaction details on your Ledger device every time
Start Using Ledger Live Desktop Today
Ledger Live Desktop is the best way to manage your crypto securely from your computer. Whether you’re holding a few coins or managing a diverse portfolio, Ledger Live Desktop offers a complete solution for safe and efficient crypto management.
Download Ledger Live Desktop today and connect your Ledger hardware wallet to begin. Your crypto journey deserves the highest level of security — and Ledger Live Desktop delivers it.