Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application provided for Ledger hardware wallets. It gives users a straightforward way to
view balances, send and receive coins, and access services such as staking, swapping, and buying — all while keeping private keys offline on a Ledger device.
What it does
At its core, Ledger Live Desktop acts as the user interface for managing crypto stored on your Ledger hardware wallet. The app displays
portfolio value, recent transactions, and network fees; it asks you to physically confirm each transaction on your Ledger device so the
private keys never leave the hardware.
Key features (quick)
Portfolio view: consolidated balances and historical value charts.
Send & receive: create transactions from the desktop, confirm on-device.
Buy, swap, stake: built-in integrations let you buy crypto, swap tokens, and delegate assets where supported.
App management: install or remove coin apps on your Ledger hardware from the desktop.
Device setup and recovery: initialize new devices and recover from a seed phrase when needed.
Security model — simple explanation
Security is the reason to use Ledger Live Desktop with a Ledger device. The desktop app alone does not hold your secret keys: those are
stored inside the secure element on your Ledger device. When you initiate an action in the app, the device shows details and requests a
physical confirmation. This separation — desktop for convenience, hardware for signing — is the main protection against online attacks.
Supported assets
Ledger Live supports a very large and growing number of coins and tokens. The app and the device ecosystem are regularly updated to add
new assets and third-party integrations. If a particular asset isn’t natively supported in Ledger Live, users can often manage it via
a compatible third-party wallet that pairs with the Ledger device.
How to get started (brief)
Download Ledger Live Desktop from Ledger’s official site and install it on Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Open the app and choose “Set up as new device” or “Restore device” to follow the guided flow.
Install the apps you need (for example Bitcoin, Ethereum) on your Ledger hardware from within Ledger Live.
Always check the device screen and confirm transactions on the hardware — never confirm blind prompts on your computer.
Practical tips
Keep these few practices in mind:
Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website to avoid fake installers.
Back up your recovery phrase securely and never share it online; Ledger support will never ask for it.
Keep your Ledger device firmware and Ledger Live app up to date for the latest security patches and features.
When to use Ledger Live Desktop vs mobile
Many users prefer the desktop app for portfolio review, bulk management, or when they want the larger screen and file-based workflows.
The mobile app is handy for quick checks and on-the-go operations. Both are interfaces to the same underlying device-based security.
Note: Ledger Live integrates third-party services for certain functions (buying, swapping, or staking). Those services may require identity
verification and have their own fees and terms.
Disclaimer: This page is informational only and not financial or legal advice. Use Ledger Live Desktop according to the
official documentation and exercise caution with your recovery phrase and device. Always download software from official sources.