Ledger Live®® Desktop — Getting Started | Official Ledger Wallet
Introduction to Ledger Live Desktop
Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application developed by Ledger for managing cryptocurrencies securely through Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a comprehensive interface to send, receive, and monitor digital assets while keeping private keys safely offline.
Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, Ledger Live Desktop is ideal for users who prefer a full-featured, secure, and constantly updated environment for cryptocurrency management. It is the central hub for accessing your Ledger wallet from your desktop computer.
What Is Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop is the full-feature version of Ledger Live designed for desktop systems. Unlike browser-based or mobile interfaces, the desktop app offers enhanced security, direct firmware updates, and compatibility with the full range of Ledger features.
With Ledger Live Desktop, users can:
- Monitor cryptocurrency balances and transaction history
- Send and receive crypto securely
- Manage multiple accounts and wallets
- Perform firmware updates on Ledger devices
- Integrate with third-party apps for staking, trading, and DeFi
The desktop application ensures that all sensitive operations, including transaction signing, occur directly on the Ledger hardware device.
Supported Ledger Devices
Ledger Live Desktop supports all Ledger hardware wallets, including the Ledger Nano X and Ledger Nano S Plus. Connecting your device and entering your PIN unlocks full access to portfolio management and transaction capabilities.
Key Features of Ledger Live Desktop
Ledger Live Desktop combines strong security with user-friendly design. Key features include:
- Portfolio management and real-time tracking of balances
- Multi-account management for diverse cryptocurrency holdings
- Transaction history overview for tracking all activity
- On-device transaction verification for maximum security
- Firmware update management to maintain device security
- Optional passphrase protection to create hidden wallets
- Integration with third-party apps and DeFi services
Ledger Live Desktop ensures that private keys remain on your hardware device while giving you full control over your cryptocurrency accounts.
Security Features
The security architecture of Ledger Live Desktop is built around offline key storage on Ledger hardware wallets. Private keys never leave the device, and all critical operations require physical confirmation on the hardware wallet screen.
Using Ledger Live Desktop in combination with your Ledger device ensures complete self-custody. The application never stores private keys, and communications are encrypted between the software and the device.
Installing Ledger Live Desktop
To install Ledger Live Desktop:
- Download the official application from Ledger.com/start.
- Install it on your desktop operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux).
- Connect your Ledger hardware wallet using a USB cable or Bluetooth (Ledger Nano X).
- Follow the guided setup, which includes firmware installation, wallet creation, recovery phrase backup, and PIN setup.
After setup, the desktop dashboard displays account balances, portfolios, and transaction options.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
Ledger Live Desktop supports a wide variety of digital assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, ERC-20 tokens, and many other cryptocurrencies. The software is regularly updated to support new blockchains, making it suitable for diversified crypto portfolios.
Troubleshooting
If your Ledger device is not detected in Ledger Live Desktop:
- Ensure the USB connection or Bluetooth is functioning
- Verify that Ledger Live Desktop is updated to the latest version
- Restart your computer and reconnect the device
- Check that firmware is up to date
Following these steps resolves most connectivity issues.
Conclusion
Ledger Live Desktop provides a secure, full-featured platform for managing cryptocurrency with Ledger hardware wallets. Its combination of offline key storage, PIN and passphrase protection, on-device transaction verification, and desktop convenience makes it the ideal solution for cryptocurrency users seeking security and control over their digital assets.