Protect, Transact, and Grow — Ledger Live Desktop Experience
Official • Desktop-first • Hardware-backed
Protect, Transact, and Grow — Ledger Live Desktop Experience
Ledger Live Desktop is the official companion app for Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a secure, private, and feature-rich desktop environment to protect your keys, transact with confidence, and explore growth opportunities — all while keeping private keys stored safely in your Ledger device's secure element.
Keys never leave your Ledger device — Ledger Live Desktop only builds transactions and requests on-device approval.
Protect: Hardware-enforced key custody with clear on-device transaction verification.
Transact: Send, receive, swap and manage assets with a human-readable review flow.
Grow: Stake supported tokens, access vetted partners, and track performance in one place.
What you get with Ledger Live Desktop
Hardware-backed key custody
Private keys are generated and stored in the Ledger secure element. Ledger Live Desktop requests signatures but cannot expose key material — every transaction requires on-device confirmation.
Comprehensive portfolio view
View balances across chains, monitor performance charts, see historical P&L, and export transaction history for accounting or taxes.
Integrated swaps
Swap assets inside the app via vetted partners. Compare rates and fees, and review partner details before confirming any operation.
Staking & yield
Stake supported tokens directly and earn rewards. Ledger Live Desktop surfaces APY, validator info, and unbonding periods so you understand the trade-offs.
Device & firmware management
Install blockchain apps on-device, perform secure firmware updates, and manage multiple Ledger devices from the same desktop app.
Privacy-first controls
Run locally, connect to your own node, and limit telemetry. Ledger Live Desktop gives you settings to minimize external exposure and keep your usage private.
How Ledger Live Desktop works — security that stays simple
Ledger Live Desktop acts as a powerful local interface — it constructs transactions, displays human-readable summaries, and hands the unsigned transaction to your Ledger device for signing. The device displays the recipient address, amount, and fees on its secure screen so that you always confirm exactly what you sign. This two-stage model (host + hardware) prevents malicious software running on your computer from silently moving funds: without physical approval on the device, nothing is signed.
Installation is straightforward. Download the official desktop installer for Windows, macOS, or major Linux distributions. Ledger publishes checksums and release notes for verification; advanced users can download source code or reproduce builds for maximum assurance. During setup you will create or restore a wallet, write down your recovery phrase offline, and set a PIN. Ledger Live Desktop guides you step-by-step and provides contextual help for each choice.
Protect — best practices
Your recovery phrase is a single point of access — protect it like a physical bearer instrument. Write it down on the included recovery card or a durable metal backup, store copies in separate secure locations, and never photograph or store your seed digitally. Use a strong, unique PIN and consider the optional passphrase feature only after you understand its implications (it creates a hidden wallet tied to the passphrase).
Transact — confidence & transparency
Before approving a transaction, Ledger Live Desktop and your device present clear details: amounts, destination addresses, and fees. When using partner services (swaps, liquidity, staking), Ledger Live surfaces partner names, fees, and expected timelines so you can decide with full transparency. Small test transactions are recommended before sending significant sums.
Grow — staking & integrations
Ledger Live Desktop enables non-custodial growth: stake your tokens through vetted validators, participate in on-chain governance where supported, or use integrated swap partners. Rewards are paid to your accounts while your keys remain in the device. Ledger emphasizes partner vetting and clear fee displays so you understand the economics of earn options.
For advanced users, Ledger Live Desktop supports connecting to your own full node where possible, running watch-only setups, and using developer tools for automation. Ledger publishes developer docs and encourages integration with third-party wallets that respect on-device signing flows.
Quick start checklist
1. Verify package
Inspect packaging and tamper-evident seals. If anything looks altered, contact support before proceeding.
2. Download Ledger Live Desktop
Get the official installer from Ledger's website and verify checksums if you prefer higher assurance.
3. Initialize & backup
Create a wallet or restore an existing seed on-device, write down the recovery phrase offline, and set a PIN.
4. Install apps & test
Install blockchain apps on-device, create accounts, and perform a small test transaction before large transfers.
Download Ledger Live Desktop — Protect, Transact, and Grow
Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Pair with your Ledger device and follow the guided setup to secure your crypto today.
Do I need a Ledger device to use Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop supports some watch-only features without a device, but signing transactions requires a Ledger hardware wallet. Keys remain on-device for maximum security.
Is Ledger Live Desktop open-source?
Ledger publishes many components and developer resources. Release notes, checksums, and reproducible build information are provided for transparency. Consult official docs for details on which parts are open-source.
What if I lose my device?
Recover funds on any compatible wallet using your recovery phrase. If you used a passphrase, you must also have that passphrase to recover those specific accounts.
How often should I update firmware and Ledger Live?
Keep firmware and Ledger Live up to date to receive security and compatibility fixes. Review release notes before upgrading if you practice high security, and verify signatures or checksums when applicable.