Secure, manage, and grow your cryptocurrency portfolio with Ledger's official desktop application
Download Ledger LiveEverything you need to know about setting up and using Ledger Live Desktop with your Ledger hardware wallet
Ledger Live Desktop is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets, providing a secure interface to manage your cryptocurrency assets directly from your computer. This powerful desktop application allows you to check your balances, send and receive crypto, manage your accounts, and install apps on your Ledger device—all while your private keys remain securely stored offline on your hardware wallet.
Unlike web-based wallets or exchange interfaces, Ledger Live Desktop connects directly to your Ledger wallet, ensuring that your transactions are verified and confirmed on your hardware device. This adds an essential layer of security, protecting your assets even if your computer is compromised.
The application supports Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, offering a consistent experience across platforms. With its intuitive interface and robust security features, Ledger Live Desktop has become the preferred choice for cryptocurrency enthusiasts who prioritize security without sacrificing convenience.
Setting up your Ledger hardware wallet is the first step toward securing your cryptocurrency assets. The process is straightforward but requires careful attention to security details:
1. Visit Ledger.com/start to begin the setup process. This official resource provides step-by-step guidance for initializing your device.
2. Unbox your Ledger device and connect it to your computer using the provided USB cable. Ensure you're using the authentic cable that came with your device to avoid potential security risks.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to initialize your device. You'll be prompted to set up a PIN code—choose a combination that's difficult for others to guess but memorable for you.
4. Your device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. Write down these words on the provided recovery sheet in the exact order they appear. This phrase is the master key to your cryptocurrency assets—anyone with access to it can control your funds.
5. Confirm your recovery phrase by selecting the words in the correct order when prompted. This step ensures you've correctly recorded your recovery phrase.
Once your Ledger wallet is set up, you're ready to install Ledger Live Desktop and begin managing your crypto assets with enterprise-grade security.
The Ledger Live Desktop application is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. To ensure security, always download Ledger Live from official sources:
1. Navigate to the official Ledger website at Ledger.com/ledger-live/download. Avoid third-party download sites to prevent installing malicious software.
2. Select the version compatible with your operating system. The website will automatically detect your OS and recommend the appropriate version.
3. Run the installer and follow the setup instructions. The installation process typically takes just a few minutes.
4. Once installed, launch Ledger Live Desktop to begin the initialization process. You'll be guided through connecting your Ledger hardware wallet and setting up your cryptocurrency accounts.
The Ledger Live Desktop app download is free, and the software is regularly updated to support new cryptocurrencies and security features. Enable automatic updates to ensure you always have the latest security patches and functionality.
Logging into Ledger Live Desktop is designed to be both secure and user-friendly. Unlike traditional software that relies on passwords, Ledger Live uses your physical hardware wallet for authentication:
1. Open the Ledger Live Desktop application on your computer.
2. Connect your Ledger hardware wallet to your computer using the USB cable.
3. Unlock your Ledger device by entering your PIN code directly on the device.
4. Navigate to the dashboard where you'll see an overview of your cryptocurrency portfolio.
This hardware-based authentication ensures that only someone with physical access to both your computer and your Ledger hardware wallet can access your funds. Even if your computer is infected with malware, your assets remain secure as transaction signing occurs on the isolated secure element of your Ledger device.
For added security, consider enabling the "passphrase" feature, which adds an additional word to your recovery phrase, creating a hidden wallet that's protected against physical attacks.
The Ledger Live Desktop interface is designed for both beginners and advanced users, with intuitive navigation and powerful features:
Dashboard: The home screen provides an overview of your portfolio value, asset allocation, and recent transactions. You can customize the view to show specific timeframes or hide certain assets.
Accounts: This section displays all your cryptocurrency accounts. You can add new accounts for supported cryptocurrencies, rename accounts for better organization, or hide accounts you're not currently using.
Send: The send functionality allows you to transfer cryptocurrencies to external addresses. Each transaction must be verified on your Ledger device, providing protection against address manipulation malware.
Receive: Generate receiving addresses for your cryptocurrencies. Each address is verified on your device screen, ensuring you're sending funds to the correct address.
Manager: The Manager tab lets you install, update, or uninstall apps on your Ledger device. Each cryptocurrency requires a specific app to be installed on your device.
The Ledger Live Desktop application also provides access to advanced features like compound interest for supported assets, staking options, and integration with third-party services through the Ledger Live API.
In addition to the desktop application, Ledger offers browser extensions that enhance your cryptocurrency experience while maintaining security:
The Ledger Wallet Extension allows you to interact with web-based decentralized applications (dApps) while keeping your private keys secure on your hardware wallet. When using dApps for DeFi, NFT marketplaces, or other blockchain services, the extension facilitates secure transaction signing without exposing your keys.
To use the extension:
1. Install the Ledger Wallet Extension from your browser's official extension store.
2. Connect your Ledger device to your computer and unlock it.
3. Navigate to a supported dApp and connect your wallet through the extension.
4. All transaction requests will be forwarded to your Ledger device for verification and signing.
This approach ensures that even when interacting with potentially vulnerable web applications, your private keys never leave your hardware wallet, maintaining the highest security standards.
Ledger Live Desktop incorporates multiple layers of security to protect your assets:
Transaction Verification: Every transaction must be physically confirmed on your Ledger device by pressing buttons, preventing remote authorization.
Address Verification: Receiving addresses are displayed on your device screen, protecting against address manipulation malware that might alter addresses on your computer screen.
Firmware Updates: Regular updates ensure your Ledger device has the latest security patches and features. Ledger Live Desktop notifies you when updates are available.
Password Manager: Optional integration with password managers adds another layer of security for your accounts.
Customizable Fees: Advanced users can customize transaction fees to prioritize speed or economy based on network conditions.
By combining these features with the inherent security of hardware wallets, Ledger Live Desktop provides one of the most secure environments for managing cryptocurrency assets.
Manage Bitcoin, Ethereum, and 1800+ other cryptocurrencies all in one interface
Monitor your entire crypto portfolio with real-time price updates and performance charts
Earn rewards through staking and other yield-generating opportunities directly in Ledger Live
Common questions about Ledger Live Desktop and Ledger hardware wallets
Ledger Live Desktop will notify you when updates are available. To update, simply go to the Manager tab in Ledger Live and follow the prompts. Always ensure you're downloading updates only through the official Ledger Live application. Regular updates include security patches, new features, and support for additional cryptocurrencies.
No, Ledger Live Desktop is specifically designed to work with Ledger hardware wallets. The application requires a connected Ledger device to access most features, as it relies on the hardware wallet for security and transaction signing. This design ensures that your private keys never leave your secure hardware device.
If you lose your Ledger device but still have your recovery phrase, you can restore your wallet on a new Ledger device using the 24-word recovery phrase. Your funds are safe as long as your recovery phrase remains secure and confidential. Never share your recovery phrase with anyone, and consider using a passphrase for additional security.
Ledger Live Desktop is compatible with Windows (10 and later), macOS (10.14 and later), and Linux (Ubuntu 16.04+/Fedora 28+/Debian 9.0+). The application is optimized for each platform, providing a consistent experience across operating systems. System requirements are minimal, making it accessible to most users.
Ledger Live Desktop supports over 1,800 cryptocurrencies and tokens, with new assets being added regularly through app installations on your Ledger device. The Manager section in Ledger Live shows all available apps for your device. Some cryptocurrencies may require third-party wallets for advanced functionality, but basic sending and receiving are supported directly in Ledger Live.
Yes, you can manage multiple Ledger devices with the same Ledger Live Desktop installation. Each device will have its own set of accounts, and you can switch between them by connecting the different devices. This is particularly useful for users who maintain separate devices for different purposes (e.g., personal use, business use, or cold storage).