Ledger Live desktop — official software & application
Ledger Live Desktop – Securely Manage Your Ledger Wallet on Desktop
Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application developed by Ledger that allows users to manage cryptocurrencies safely from their Windows, macOS, or Linux computers. When paired with a Ledger hardware wallet, Ledger Live Desktop provides a secure, intuitive interface to monitor your portfolio, send and receive assets, swap tokens, and interact with blockchain networks.
It ensures full control over your private keys, keeping your funds safe from online threats.
🔐 What Is Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop is the primary application for managing your Ledger device locally. Unlike browser-based wallets, it communicates directly with your hardware wallet, ensuring:
- Private keys never leave the device
- Transactions are verified on the hardware wallet
- Complete portfolio visibility across supported cryptocurrencies
- Secure firmware updates for your Ledger device
Ledger Live Desktop is ideal for users who prefer a dedicated application rather than relying on web-based solutions.
🖥️ Supported Operating Systems
Ledger Live Desktop is compatible with:
- Windows 8 and above
- macOS 10.14 and above
- Linux (most distributions)
The app ensures seamless communication with Ledger Nano X and Ledger Nano S Plus, with all sensitive actions confirmed directly on the device.
🛠️ Key Features
1. Secure Portfolio Management
Monitor your crypto holdings across multiple accounts, blockchains, and assets in a single dashboard. Real-time balance updates and transaction histories make portfolio tracking simple.
2. Send & Receive Crypto Safely
Transactions are signed directly on your Ledger hardware wallet. Ledger Live Desktop ensures that no private keys are exposed, even when using a compromised computer.
3. Crypto Swaps
Swap supported cryptocurrencies within Ledger Live Desktop. The app aggregates rates from multiple sources to give competitive pricing without requiring third-party wallets.
4. Firmware Updates
Keep your Ledger device firmware up-to-date for enhanced security. Ledger Live Desktop verifies updates before installation, preventing tampering or unauthorized modifications.
5. Multi-Asset Support
Manage Bitcoin, Ethereum, altcoins, ERC-20 tokens, and even NFTs through Ledger Live Desktop. The interface is regularly updated to support new assets and blockchain networks.
🔄 Ledger Live Desktop and Hardware Wallet Integration
Ledger Live Desktop works hand-in-hand with Ledger devices:
- Device PIN ensures physical protection
- Recovery phrase verification for wallet restoration
- Optional passphrase for advanced security
- Secure signing of transactions directly on the device
This setup ensures that your crypto remains fully self-custodied and protected at all times.
⚡ Installation & Getting Started
- Visit Ledger.com/start to download Ledger Live Desktop
- Select your operating system and install the application
- Connect your Ledger hardware wallet
- Follow on-screen instructions to initialize your wallet or restore an existing one
- Explore features such as portfolio overview, asset swaps, and transaction history
🛡️ Security Best Practices
- Only download Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger website
- Never share your recovery phrase online or store it digitally
- Confirm all transactions directly on your Ledger device
- Enable a passphrase for extra security if managing multiple accounts or large portfolios
By following these practices, you maintain the highest level of crypto security.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Ledger Live Desktop provides a robust, user-friendly, and highly secure platform for managing your Ledger hardware wallet. It combines offline private key security with a clean desktop interface, enabling you to manage cryptocurrencies confidently and safely.
Whether sending funds, tracking your portfolio, swapping assets, or updating device firmware, Ledger Live Desktop is the recommended application for anyone serious about cryptocurrency self-custody.