Ledger Live® Desktop | Secure Crypto Management*

Welcome to Ledger Live® Desktop

Ledger Live® Desktop is the trusted application that connects your Ledger hardware wallet to your computer, enabling secure crypto management from one intuitive dashboard. It gives you the flexibility of desktop power combined with Ledger’s hardware-level protection.

Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned investor, Ledger Live Desktop keeps your private keys safe offline while providing real-time access to your crypto balances, transactions, and portfolio insights.

Quick Overview: Ledger Live Desktop supports thousands of assets, multiple accounts, and advanced blockchain integrations — all without ever exposing your keys online.

1. Why Choose Ledger Live Desktop?

When managing digital assets, the biggest threat is loss of private keys or exposure to phishing attacks. Ledger Live Desktop eliminates these risks by combining cold storage security with a dynamic interface.

Security: Hardware-level protection for private keys.
Convenience: Manage all coins in one place.
Transparency: Open-source architecture for trust and verification.
Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Security Note: Ledger Live Desktop never has access to your funds. Only your hardware wallet can approve and sign transactions.

2. Download and Install Ledger Live Desktop

Getting started begins with a secure installation. Always download the software from the official source:

Visit ledger.com/ledger-live/download.
Select your system: Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Download and open the installation file.
Follow the prompts to install the application.

Attention: Never install Ledger Live from unofficial websites or shared links. Only the official Ledger domain ensures authenticity and security.

3. Connecting Your Ledger Device

Once Ledger Live is installed, connect your Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, or Stax using a USB cable. For Nano X, Bluetooth is also supported on compatible systems.

Plug in your device and unlock it using your PIN.
Choose “Set up as new” or “Restore from recovery phrase.”
Ledger Live Desktop will automatically detect your hardware and begin the authenticity check.

Genuine Verification: The app ensures your device’s secure element is authentic and hasn’t been tampered with before proceeding.

4. Understanding the Ledger Live Interface

After setup, you’ll see the Ledger Live dashboard — your command center for crypto management. It consists of several main sections:

Portfolio: Displays your total holdings and market value.
Accounts: Lists all linked blockchains and balances.
Manager: Installs or removes apps on your device.
Discover: Access services like staking, swaps, and DeFi integrations.
Settings: Customize privacy and appearance preferences.

Customization Tip: Use Dark Mode in Ledger Live Desktop for a modern look and to reduce eye strain during extended sessions.

5. Adding Crypto Accounts

Each cryptocurrency you manage requires its own account. Adding one ensures your transactions and balances are visible in Ledger Live Desktop:

Click “Add Account” in the sidebar.
Select your asset (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP).
Open the corresponding app on your Ledger device.
Confirm account creation directly on your hardware wallet.

6. Sending and Receiving Crypto Safely

Receiving Crypto

To receive crypto, you must generate a verified address:

Go to Receive and choose the desired account.
Verify the address shown in Ledger Live matches the one on your device’s screen.
Share the address only after confirming both are identical.

Warning: Always double-check the displayed address on your device. Malware can replace copied addresses on your computer.

Sending Crypto

Select Send from the main menu.
Enter the recipient’s address and amount.
Review transaction details carefully.
Confirm on your device to sign and send the transaction securely.

7. Updating Ledger Live and Device Firmware

Regular updates keep your system protected and optimized for new blockchain integrations.

Open the Manager tab in Ledger Live Desktop.
Connect and unlock your device.
Check for firmware updates and follow the on-screen steps.

Note: Firmware updates do not affect your funds — they remain tied to your 24-word recovery phrase.

8. Security Practices for Ledger Live Desktop

Ledger hardware wallets are highly secure, but your habits play an equally vital role. Follow these best practices:

Never share or store your 24-word recovery phrase digitally.
Always use your Ledger device on a trusted computer.
Enable “Password Lock” in Ledger Live for local protection.
Keep your operating system and antivirus software updated.

Extra Protection: Consider using a metal recovery phrase backup for durability and safety from fire or water damage.

9. Exploring Advanced Ledger Live Features

Ledger Live Desktop is not just a simple wallet interface — it’s a complete crypto management suite.

Staking

Earn passive rewards by staking coins such as Solana, Ethereum, Polkadot, or Cardano directly through the app.

Buying and Swapping

Ledger Live integrates trusted partners for direct crypto purchases or swaps, allowing quick conversions while maintaining hardware-level security.

NFT Management

View and transfer NFTs securely on Ethereum and Polygon, with each action verified through your Ledger device.

Integration Highlight: Ledger Live connects with Web3 via WalletConnect, enabling safe access to DeFi platforms without ever revealing private keys.

10. Troubleshooting Common Issues

If Ledger Live Desktop doesn’t recognize your device or fails to sync:

Ensure Ledger Live is up to date.
Restart both the app and your computer.
Try a different USB cable or port.
Disable VPN or firewall temporarily if connections are blocked.
Reinstall Ledger Live (your data remains safe).

Need More Help? Visit support.ledger.com for detailed troubleshooting guides.

11. Recovering Your Wallet

If your Ledger device is lost or damaged, don’t panic — your funds are recoverable using your recovery phrase:

Obtain a new Ledger device.
During setup, choose “Restore from recovery phrase.”
Enter your 24 words carefully in order.
Reconnect to Ledger Live Desktop to access your accounts.

Important: Only enter your recovery phrase on a genuine Ledger device — never on any website or computer.

12. Ledger Live Desktop vs Mobile

Both Ledger Live Desktop and Mobile offer secure crypto management, but the desktop version provides a broader toolkit for advanced users:

Full access to Manager and firmware updates.
More supported crypto assets and app management options.
Detailed portfolio analytics and export tools.
Better integration with DeFi and NFT management.

Tip: Use both versions together — manage most assets on desktop while tracking balances conveniently on mobile.

13. Privacy and Transparency

Ledger prioritizes user privacy. Ledger Live Desktop minimizes data collection and provides clear options for analytics control. All key operations happen locally on your machine, and your private keys never leave your hardware wallet.

Opt out of anonymous analytics anytime.
Open-source components ensure transparency.
Zero-knowledge approach — Ledger cannot access your holdings.

Conclusion: Manage Crypto with Confidence

With Ledger Live® Desktop, you can confidently navigate the world of digital assets. From setup to advanced staking and NFT management, every action is protected by Ledger’s state-of-the-art hardware security.

Your private keys remain offline. Your portfolio remains under your control. And with the Ledger Live Desktop interface, managing crypto has never been easier, safer, or more transparent.

Download Ledger Live Desktop