Ledger Live Desktop — Manage crypto with your hardware wallet

Ledger Live Desktop is the companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It gives you a unified interface to view balances, send and receive cryptocurrencies, install apps on your device, and access services such as staking and swaps — all while keeping your private keys offline and under your control.

Below you’ll find a clear introduction, step-by-step setup, core features, trust information, FAQs, and a short legal disclaimer.

What is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is an application designed to pair with Ledger hardware wallets to securely manage crypto assets on your computer. It connects only to your device via USB (or optionally Bluetooth, depending on the device), and all sensitive operations — signing transactions and holding private keys — occur on the hardware device itself.

Getting started — Step by step

Download: Download Ledger Live Desktop from Ledger's official website and verify the installer integrity when possible.
Install: Run the installer for your OS and follow on-screen prompts.
Create or restore: When launching, create a new Ledger account by initializing a Ledger device, or restore an existing device using your recovery phrase — always in private and never online.
Add accounts: In Ledger Live, add cryptocurrency accounts (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) to view balances and transaction history.
Manage apps: Use the Manager section to install blockchain apps on your hardware device as required by specific coins.
Transact safely: Connect your device and approve every transaction on the device screen — not in the app — for maximum security.

Core features

Portfolio & balances

Consolidated view of all your assets across supported blockchains.

Send & receive

Create transactions in-app and confirm them on your device to keep private keys offline.

Manager

Install, update, or remove blockchain apps on your Ledger hardware device.

Swap & Buy

Access third-party services to exchange and buy crypto directly inside the app where available.

Staking

Stake supported tokens while maintaining custody via your hardware device.

Security checks

Built-in checks and firmware update prompts to help keep your device secure.

Trust & security

Ledger Live is designed so that your private keys never leave your hardware wallet. Firmware updates, app integrity checks, and the requirement to physically approve transactions on device are all core parts of the security model. Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website, keep firmware up-to-date, and never share your recovery phrase.

Open-source components

Hardware key isolation

User-controlled backups

FAQs

Q1: Is Ledger Live free?

A1: Yes — Ledger Live Desktop is free to download and use. Third-party services inside the app (swaps, purchases) may charge fees.

Q2: Can I use Ledger Live without a Ledger device?

A2: Ledger Live can show general information, but full functionality (signing transactions, securing keys) requires a Ledger hardware device.

Q3: Where do I get support if something goes wrong?

A3: Use Ledger's official support center and knowledge base. Beware of phishing: never share recovery phrases with anyone claiming to be support.

Q4: How do I update firmware?

A4: Ledger Live prompts firmware updates when available. Follow on-screen instructions and confirm updates on the device itself.

Q5: What if I lose my Ledger device?

A5: If you have your recovery phrase (seed), you can restore your accounts to a new compatible hardware wallet. Keep the recovery phrase safe and offline.

Q6: Are my transaction records stored centrally?

A6: Ledger Live reads blockchain data from public nodes and APIs to display balances and history; transactions are recorded on their respective blockchains, not centrally by Ledger.

Disclaimer

This page is an informational, unique overview created for educational purposes. Always download software only from official sources, verify authenticity, and perform independent research before transacting. We are not responsible for your investment decisions or loss of funds.