Getting™ Started — Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Official Wallet App
Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application from Ledger designed to provide users with a secure, powerful, and user‑friendly way to manage their cryptocurrency assets when used together with a Ledger hardware wallet. As the trusted desktop interface for Ledger devices, Ledger Live Desktop ensures private keys remain securely stored on your Ledger hardware at all times while giving you the tools to send and receive crypto, monitor your portfolio, stake assets, manage NFTs, and perform firmware updates — all from your computer. To guarantee safety and authenticity, always download Ledger Live Desktop directly from the official Ledger website at https://www.ledger.com/start or access the dedicated app page at https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live. No other download sources should ever be used to install this software.
What Is Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop is the desktop version of Ledger’s official portfolio management software. It runs locally on your machine — whether that be Windows, macOS, or Linux — and connects to one of Ledger’s hardware wallets (such as Ledger Nano X, Ledger Nano S Plus, or Ledger Stax). The primary purpose of Ledger Live Desktop is to provide a secure environment where you can interact with your crypto holdings without exposing your private keys to the internet or less secure applications.
Unlike online wallets or browser‑based solutions, Ledger Live Desktop operates locally on your device, which significantly reduces the attack surface for potential threats. All critical cryptographic operations — like signing transactions — happen on your Ledger hardware wallet, never on your desktop. Always ensure you start your installation at https://www.ledger.com/start and follow the official steps provided there to install the Ledger Live Desktop application safely.
Why Choose Ledger Live Desktop?
Unmatched Security
Security is paramount in the world of cryptocurrency, and Ledger Live Desktop is built with this philosophy at its core. By design, your private keys — which control your crypto — never leave your Ledger hardware wallet. When you initiate a transaction through Ledger Live Desktop, the details are sent to your Ledger device, which then securely signs the transaction inside its secure element. This means even if your computer were compromised by malware, your private keys would remain protected on the hardware wallet.
This hardware‑backed security model makes Ledger Live Desktop one of the safest ways to manage crypto assets on a desktop platform. It’s essential to always get Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger pages to avoid counterfeit versions that could jeopardize your security.
Full Control Over Your Crypto
With Ledger Live Desktop, you have full control over your digital assets. From checking balances and reviewing transaction history to sending and receiving funds, the software acts as your comprehensive crypto command center. You can add multiple accounts, organize your assets, and view real‑time price movements — all in one interface tailored to desktop use.
Wide Crypto Support
Ledger Live Desktop supports thousands of cryptocurrencies, including major assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), and many more. In addition to base coins, Ledger Live Desktop also supports a wide range of tokens on supported blockchains, allowing you to have a complete view of your diversified portfolio.
Staking and Earning Rewards
Many supported assets can be staked through Ledger Live Desktop. Staking allows you to participate in securing a blockchain network and earn passive rewards. Ledger Live Desktop integrates with staking services for supported cryptocurrencies, making it easy to delegate your holdings and start earning staking rewards without exposing your private keys.
NFT and Web3 Management
Ledger Live Desktop also allows you to view and manage your non‑fungible tokens (NFTs) from supported chains. This means you can securely hold and inspect your NFT collection within the same trusted interface you use for your other crypto assets.
Regular Updates
Ledger continuously updates Ledger Live Desktop to introduce new features, improve performance, and bolster security. Keeping your Ledger Live Desktop installation and your Ledger device firmware up to date ensures you benefit from the latest advancements and protections.
Downloading and Installing Ledger Live Desktop
1. Visit the Official Ledger Website
The only safe place to download Ledger Live Desktop is directly from Ledger’s official site. Start by going to:
➡️ https://www.ledger.com/start
This official page guides you through the setup for your Ledger hardware device and provides the correct Ledger Live Desktop installer for your operating system. Ledger’s official guides ensure you are not misled by phishing sites or fraudulent applications.
2. Choose Your Operating System
On the official setup page, select the version of Ledger Live Desktop that matches your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Ledger provides detailed instructions and checks to make sure you receive the correct installer file.
3. Install the Application
Once downloaded, run the installer package and follow the on‑screen installation steps. The installation process is standard for desktop applications, and once complete, you can launch Ledger Live Desktop from your applications menu.
4. Connect Your Ledger Device
When you first launch Ledger Live Desktop, you will connect your Ledger hardware wallet via USB (or Bluetooth if supported by your device model). Ledger Live Desktop will walk you through the initial setup, including verifying the device and selecting your preferred language and PIN.
5. Add Cryptocurrency Accounts
After your device is connected and recognized, Ledger Live Desktop will prompt you to install the necessary apps on your Ledger device for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage (for example, Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Once apps are installed on your hardware wallet, Ledger Live Desktop will allow you to add accounts for each supported crypto asset and begin managing them.
Setting Up and Using Ledger Live Desktop
Dashboard and Portfolio Management
Upon adding accounts, Ledger Live Desktop presents a dashboard that gives you a full overview of your crypto holdings. You can view real‑time balances, performance charts, and historical activity for each asset. The interface is designed to help both beginners and advanced users understand their portfolio at a glance.
Sending and Receiving Crypto
To send crypto, choose the asset and account from your Ledger Live Desktop dashboard, enter the recipient address and amount, and then confirm the transaction details. Final confirmation and cryptographic signing always happen on your Ledger hardware device. Receiving crypto is equally simple — generate a receive address in Ledger Live Desktop, verify it on your Ledger device, and share it with the sender.
Staking
If you want to stake supported assets, Ledger Live Desktop provides a dedicated section for staking operations. You can delegate your tokens to validators (where applicable), monitor your staking rewards, and manage your positions — all with your private keys secured inside the Ledger device.
NFT Management
Ledger Live Desktop supports viewing NFT collections from chains like Ethereum and Polygon. You can inspect your NFTs, view metadata, and keep track of your digital collectibles within the same trusted environment.
Firmware and App Management
Ledger Live Desktop also includes tools to keep your Ledger hardware wallet up to date. Firmware updates are released periodically, and Ledger Live Desktop guides you through updating your device’s firmware securely. You can also manage the individual blockchain apps installed on your Ledger device, adding or removing support for specific assets as needed.
Best Practices for Security
Only Use Official Ledger Links
To protect yourself from phishing and malware, always use official Ledger links such as:
🔗 https://www.ledger.com/start
🔗 https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live
or consult Ledger’s support resources via https://support.ledger.com for official help and documentation. Ledger software will never be legitimately downloadable from third‑party sites, mirrors, or unofficial app stores. Installing Ledger Live Desktop from anywhere other than the official site puts your assets at risk.
Never Share Your Recovery Phrase
Your 24‑word recovery phrase is the master key to your crypto holdings. Ledger Live Desktop or Ledger’s official support channels will never ask you to enter this phrase into any software or website. If any site or application requests your recovery phrase, it is a scam. Your recovery phrase should only be entered on your Ledger hardware device when restoring your wallet.
Verify Transactions on Your Device
Every time you send or approve an action — such as a trade, transfer, or stake — double‑check the details displayed on your Ledger hardware wallet’s screen before confirming. This ensures that even if your desktop software were compromised, the transaction you sign is exactly what you intend.
Keep Software Updated
Both Ledger Live Desktop and your Ledger hardware device receive periodic updates. Always apply updates promptly to benefit from the latest security patches and features.
Ledger Live Desktop vs. Other Wallet Types
Desktop vs. Mobile
Ledger Live Desktop offers the most comprehensive suite of tools and advanced features compared to mobile wallet versions. While mobile apps provide convenience for quick checks and approvals, the desktop version is generally preferred for in‑depth portfolio management, firmware updates, and larger or more complex transactions.
Desktop vs. Web Wallets
Web wallets operate through browsers and can be susceptible to phishing, browser exploits, or malicious extensions. Ledger Live Desktop’s local installation and hardware‑backed security model make it inherently safer than browser‑based wallet interfaces.
Conclusion
Ledger Live Desktop is the cornerstone of secure desktop‑based cryptocurrency management when used with a Ledger hardware wallet. Its robust security model — where private keys stay protected on the hardware device and all transactions are signed offline — offers peace of mind for users of all experience levels. From portfolio tracking and transactions to staking and NFT management, Ledger Live Desktop provides a complete suite of features tailored for modern crypto holders.
To get started safely, always download Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger setup page at https://www.ledger.com/start or the dedicated app page at https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live. By following best practices for security and using only official Ledger resources, you can manage your digital assets confidently and securely.