Ledger Live Desktop
Secure. Simple. Sovereign.
Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application designed for hardware wallet users who want real security with exceptional usability. Manage all your cryptocurrencies from a single, elegant desktop app — without your private keys ever leaving your Ledger device.
Tip: Always download Ledger Live Desktop from the official site. Ledger Live will never ask for your recovery phrase.
Everything you need from official software for hardware wallet users
Ledger Live Desktop is crafted for users who take custody, control and security seriously. The desktop app is an intuitive, powerful interface to your Ledger hardware — giving you the tools to manage crypto, maintain strong security, and grow your on-chain presence.
Security-first architecture
The design philosophy is simple: keep the private keys on the hardware. Ledger Live Desktop never transmits your recovery phrase, private key, or seed. Every transaction is displayed in the app and then signed locally on the hardware device. That means even if your computer is compromised, your keys remain protected.
Core security highlights
- Private-key isolation: keys never leave the Ledger device
- On-device verification: confirm addresses and amounts on your hardware screen
- Secure firmware update flow with user confirmation
Powerful features for every user
Ledger Live Desktop packs useful features without sacrificing clarity. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced holder, you'll find streamlined tools to manage and expand your crypto holdings.
Included features
- Portfolio overview with historical value charts
- Send & receive crypto with on-device confirmation
- Install and manage blockchain apps on your Ledger device
- Stake supported tokens directly from the app
- Swap between assets via integrated partners
- NFT display and simple management for supported chains
How Ledger Live Desktop works — simple flow for secure operations
Ledger Live Desktop connects to your Ledger hardware using a secure channel. It shows account balances and constructs transactions locally. You always verify and approve operations on your Ledger device screen. Signing happens on the device — not on your computer — preserving the core security guarantee.
- Install Ledger Live Desktop — Download the official app for your OS and install.
- Connect your Ledger device — Plug in Ledger Nano S / X and unlock with PIN.
- Add accounts — Select which blockchains/accounts you want to manage.
- Manage & transact — Send/receive, stake, swap — confirm every critical action on your device.
This separation — intuitive GUI on your computer, cryptographic signing on your device — is what makes Ledger Live Desktop the preferred official software for hardware wallet users seeking practical security.
Security best practices — preserve your sovereignty
Using Ledger Live Desktop correctly maximizes security. Follow these proven steps to keep your funds safe:
- Download Ledger Live Desktop only from the official site and verify signatures when available.
- Never share your 24-word recovery phrase — Ledger will never ask for it in the app.
- Confirm every transaction on the hardware device display.
- Keep firmware up to date but only update when you are on a secure network and following official instructions.
- Use a strong PIN and consider device passphrase options for additional account segmentation.
Following these steps ensures Ledger Live Desktop remains a secure, reliable official software for hardware wallet users across experience levels.
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Note: while keyword use helps search engines, modern platforms favor valuable, user-centered content. This copy balances targeted keywords — Ledger Live Desktop, official software, hardware wallet users, secure crypto wallet — with helpful, readable information that keeps visitors on the page.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Ledger Live Desktop the official software?
- Yes — Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop companion app designed to work with Ledger hardware wallets. Always download from ledger.com to ensure authenticity.
- Do my private keys leave the Ledger device?
- No. Private keys and the recovery phrase remain on the Ledger hardware. Ledger Live Desktop only creates unsigned transactions and requests you to sign them on the device.
- Can I stake and swap within Ledger Live Desktop?
- Yes. Ledger Live Desktop integrates staking for supported assets and swap services via trusted partners, letting you perform these operations while still signing on-device.
- Which operating systems are supported?
- Ledger Live Desktop supports Windows, macOS and Linux. Installers are available for the most common distributions.
- What if I lose my Ledger device?
- If you lose your hardware, you can restore access using your recovery phrase on a new Ledger device or any compatible wallet that supports recovery phrases. Keep your recovery phrase secure and private.