Lêdger® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started | official Ledger Wallet™ App

kentkouh

29 Dec 2025 — 7 min read

Ledger Live Desktop is the desktop application developed by Ledger that allows users to securely manage cryptocurrencies, NFTs, staking, transactions, portfolio tracking, firmware updates, and more with the protection of a Ledger hardware wallet. Ledger Live Desktop works in partnership with Ledger hardware wallets — like Ledger Nano X, Ledger Nano S Plus, and Ledger Stax — to ensure users maintain digital asset ownership while private keys are cryptographically secured in the hardware device. You should always download Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger website to avoid risks associated with fake or tampered applications.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what Ledger Live Desktop is, how it works, its features, installation and setup, security practices, supported assets, advanced tools, comparisons, tips, and how it continues to evolve as a flagship crypto management solution. All official links below come directly from Ledger’s official site as referenced throughout.

What Is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is a secure desktop app that connects with your Ledger hardware wallet to manage your crypto assets and digital collectibles. Unlike software wallets that store your private keys on a device connected to the internet, Ledger Live Desktop ensures your private keys never leave the secure element chip inside your Ledger hardware wallet. This trusted model means that signing transactions, updating firmware, and managing assets are all performed with enhanced protection.

Ledger Live Desktop bridges desktop convenience and hardware‑based security, offering a responsive interface where users can review balances, initiate transactions, interact with decentralized applications, stake supported tokens, view NFTs, buy and sell crypto, and view real‑time portfolio analytics.

All official resources are available on Ledger’s site, including the download page for Ledger Live Desktop.

👉 Download Ledger Live Desktop (official): https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live

Why Security Matters in Ledger Live Desktop

Security is the foundation of Ledger’s product ecosystem. Ledger Live Desktop is engineered so that:

Your private keys remain in your Ledger device.
All sensitive actions require physical confirmation on your hardware wallet.
Firmware updates are cryptographically verified.
Transactions are prepared on your computer but signed in your Ledger device.

When you install and use Ledger Live Desktop, the software communicates with your hardware wallet via secure channels. Ledger’s official application confirms that the firmware and software you use are authentic to protect against counterfeit software.

Performing crypto operations with Ledger Live Desktop and a Ledger hardware wallet significantly reduces the risk of key exposure, malware intrusion, or unauthorized access common with software or hot wallets.

Official Ledger education on security best practices, including protecting your recovery phrase and recognizing trusted apps, can be found here:
👉 Ledger Academy (official security guidance): https://www.ledger.com/academy

Supported Operating Systems

Ledger Live Desktop can be installed on the following platforms:

Windows
macOS
Linux

You can choose the installer specific to your operating system from the official Ledger Live download page.

👉 Official Ledger Live download page: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live

Always ensure you are downloading Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger site to avoid malicious imitations.

Installing Ledger Live Desktop

To begin using Ledger Live Desktop, follow these official steps:

Visit https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live to download the latest version of Ledger Live Desktop. Choose the installer that matches your operating system.

2. Install the Software

Run the installer and follow on‑screen instructions. Ledger Live Desktop may request permission to install a helper service that enables secure interactions between the app and your Ledger device.

3. Connect Your Ledger Wallet

Connect your Ledger hardware wallet to your computer with a USB cable and unlock it with its PIN code.

4. Set Up or Restore

You can choose to set up a new Ledger device or restore an existing one using your recovery phrase. Ledger strongly emphasizes that your recovery phrase should remain private and never entered into any computer or phone application, including the desktop.

5. Add Accounts

Once connected, Ledger Live Desktop will allow you to add accounts for supported cryptocurrencies. As you add accounts, Ledger Live Desktop queries the blockchain to display balances and recent transactions.

6. Explore Features

After setup, explore Ledger Live Desktop’s portfolio, send/receive pages, staking options, and other tools to manage your crypto assets.

Core Features of Ledger Live Desktop

📌 Portfolio Overview

Ledger Live Desktop provides a real‑time view of your digital asset portfolio, including total value, individual asset performance, and historical data. You can view portfolio trends and export data if needed.

💸 Send and Receive Crypto

Ledger Live Desktop allows you to securely send and receive cryptocurrencies. All outgoing transactions must be confirmed physically on your Ledger device, ensuring no unauthorized movement of funds.

📊 Account Management

You can add multiple accounts for different cryptocurrencies under one interface. Ledger Live Desktop supports dozens of major blockchains and thousands of tokens, with ongoing expansion of supported assets.

💱 Buy, Sell, Swap

Ledger Live Desktop integrates with selected exchange partners to allow you to buy, sell, and swap supported cryptocurrencies without leaving the application — all while still securing private keys in the hardware wallet.

🌱 Staking Support

Many proof‑of‑stake cryptocurrencies can be staked directly through Ledger Live Desktop. Staking participation allows users to earn rewards while their assets remain protected.

🎨 NFT Support

Ledger Live Desktop offers support for viewing your NFTs (non‑fungible tokens) on supported blockchains. You can inspect details and metadata associated with your collectibles directly within the app.

🔄 Firmware Management

Ledger Live Desktop regularly notifies you of firmware updates for your Ledger device. Keeping firmware up to date is essential for optimal security and compatibility.

🛡️ Security Alerts and Guidance

The app will notify you of outdated software versions or security‑related advisories issued by Ledger, helping ensure your setup remains secure.

How Ledger Live Desktop Works (Security Model)

Ledger Live Desktop is designed so that private keys never leave your Ledger device. Here’s how the security flow works:

Transaction Preparation
You initiate a transaction in Ledger Live Desktop.
Local Transaction Assembly
The app constructs the transaction based on the recipient, amount, fees, and other parameters.
Signing on the Ledger Device
The unsigned transaction is sent to your Ledger hardware wallet. The transaction is reviewed on the device’s screen.
Physical Confirmation Required
You must physically confirm the transaction on the hardware wallet’s buttons or touchscreen.
Broadcast to Blockchain
Once signed, the transaction is sent back to Ledger Live Desktop and broadcast to the blockchain network.

This model ensures that your keys never leave the secure chip in the hardware wallet, protecting against malware and unauthorized access.

For official information on Ledger’s security model:
👉 Ledger security overview: https://www.ledger.com/security

Supported Cryptocurrencies

Ledger Live Desktop supports a growing list of cryptocurrencies, tokens, and digital assets including:

Bitcoin (BTC)
Ethereum (ETH) and Ethereum‑based tokens
Solana (SOL)
Polkadot (DOT)
Cardano (ADA)
Stellar (XLM)
And many more

Asset support is updated regularly. To view the comprehensive and most current list of supported assets, visit the official Ledger support site.

👉 Official supported assets list: https://www.ledger.com/supported‑crypto

Advanced Features

🧠 Staking and Earn

Ledger Live Desktop provides users with opportunities to earn rewards by staking supported assets. The app guides you through the process, clearly presenting expected rewards and lockup periods.

🔁 Swap and Exchange Integration

Within Ledger Live Desktop, users can access integrated exchange and swapping services. These features provide flexibility while ensuring private keys remain secure.

🛰️ DeFi and Dapp Support

Ledger Live Desktop also supports connections to decentralized applications through official protocols that protect user security. You can interact with DeFi protocols while maintaining key security in your hardware wallet.

🗂️ Multi‑Device Sync

If you use Ledger Live on multiple devices (e.g., desktop + mobile), the application syncs account metadata securely while maintaining key security in your hardware wallet.

Ledger’s official documentation explains how to get the most out of these advanced tools and integrations.

👉 Official Ledger Live user guides: https://www.ledger.com/ledger‑live/guides

Best Practices for Ledger Live Desktop

To maximize security and usability:

Your 24‑word recovery phrase should stay offline at all times. Ledger Live Desktop will never ask for this phrase inside the app. If asked for your recovery phrase, stop using the application immediately.

🔄 Keep Software Updated

Always install the latest version of Ledger Live Desktop and update your Ledger device firmware when prompted.

📍 Confirm Every Transaction

Always verify the transaction details on your Ledger hardware wallet before confirming. This extra step prevents malware from altering destination addresses or amounts.

⚠️ Only Use Official Ledger Downloads

Install Ledger Live Desktop only from https://www.ledger.com pages. Fake apps can attempt to steal funds.

For safety recommendations, visit:
👉 Ledger security best practices: https://www.ledger.com/academy/crypto‑security

Ledger Live Desktop vs. Ledger Live Mobile

Ledger Live is available on both desktop and mobile but they serve slightly different purposes:

Ledger Live Desktop offers more detailed portfolio views, deeper analytics, advanced account tools, and richer dashboard experiences for managing crypto and NFTs.
Ledger Live Mobile provides on‑the‑go access to balances, transaction history, and basic management tools.

Both versions require a Ledger hardware wallet for signing transactions. They sync with the same accounts and are designed to work together.

To explore Ledger Live mobile apps (official information):
👉 Ledger Live mobile overview: https://www.ledger.com/ledger‑live

Ledger Live Desktop for Enterprises and Advanced Users

Ledger Live Desktop can also cater to advanced users, developers, and enterprise stakeholders looking for secure key management and transaction workflows. Ledger offers comprehensive documentation and integrations for development use cases that interact with decentralized systems securely.

For official developer resources:
👉 Ledger developer portal: https://www.ledger.com/developers

Common Questions About Ledger Live Desktop

❓ Is Ledger Live Desktop free?

Yes. Ledger Live Desktop can be downloaded and used free of charge for managing supported digital assets with a Ledger hardware wallet.

❓ Can I use Ledger Live Desktop without a hardware wallet?

No. Ledger Live Desktop is designed specifically to interface with Ledger hardware wallets so that private keys are never exposed. Without a Ledger device, the app cannot sign transactions.

❓ Where can I get help if I encounter issues?

Ledger provides official support and guides to help troubleshoot installation, usage, or compatibility questions.

👉 Official Ledger support center: https://www.ledger.com/support

Final Thoughts

Ledger Live Desktop is a powerful, secure, and user‑centric desktop application that pairs with Ledger hardware wallets to provide industry‑leading protection for your private keys while offering a comprehensive suite of crypto management tools. Whether you are sending and receiving crypto, staking, tracking your portfolio, managing NFTs, or exploring decentralized apps, Ledger Live Desktop gives you the control and visibility you need — backed by secure hardware and rigorous design principles.

Remember:

✔ Always download Ledger Live Desktop from official Ledger links.
✔ Never enter your recovery phrase into any software or website.
✔ Confirm every transaction on your Ledger hardware wallet.
✔ Keep your device firmware and Ledger Live Desktop updated.

Start with the official download here: