What is Ledger Live Desktop — Official Software for Hardware Wallet Users®?
Ledger Live Desktop — Official Software for Hardware Wallet Users® is the desktop application companion to Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a local, encrypted interface to view balances, send and receive assets, install & manage device apps, and interact with supported blockchains. The app never stores your recovery phrase; Ledger Live Desktop works with your Ledger device (Ledger Nano S, Ledger Nano X, and similar models) to sign transactions locally and keep private keys off the internet.
Key features of Ledger Live Desktop — Official Software for Hardware Wallet Users®
Portfolio overview
Get a consolidated view of all your assets across supported chains and accounts. Ledger Live Desktop — Official Software for Hardware Wallet Users® displays historical charts, market values, and recent activity in one place.
Secure transactions
All transaction signing is performed on your Ledger hardware device. Ledger Live Desktop — Official Software for Hardware Wallet Users® sends unsigned transactions to the device and only broadcasts signed transactions to the network.
App manager & device support
Install or remove blockchain apps on your Ledger device and update firmware when needed. Ledger Live Desktop — Official Software for Hardware Wallet Users® ensures compatibility and guides you through safe update flows.
Built-in swap & staking
Swap between assets and stake supported tokens directly inside Ledger Live Desktop — Official Software for Hardware Wallet Users®. Fees, routes, and confirmations are displayed before you approve on-device.
Step-by-step: Getting started with Ledger Live Desktop — Official Software for Hardware Wallet Users®
- Download the official Ledger Live Desktop — Official Software for Hardware Wallet Users® installer from Ledger's website and verify the checksum before running the file.
- Install and open the app. Choose
Create a new walletif you have a new Ledger device, orRestore from recovery phraseonly if you are recovering an existing wallet on a device you control. - Follow the on-screen prompts to pair your Ledger device, install apps for the blockchains you plan to use, and add accounts to Ledger Live Desktop — Official Software for Hardware Wallet Users®.
- Always confirm actions on your Ledger device screen before finalizing — do not approve transactions you did not initiate.
Security best practices for Ledger Live Desktop — Official Software for Hardware Wallet Users®
Security is layered. Ledger Live Desktop — Official Software for Hardware Wallet Users® is designed so that private keys never leave your hardware wallet, but your setup choices matter. Follow these practices:
- Purchase hardware devices only from official channels to avoid tampered units.
- Never share your recovery phrase with anyone — Ledger support will never ask for it.
- Use a strong, unique passphrase for your device and a secure PIN on the Ledger hardware.
- Keep your desktop OS and Ledger Live Desktop — Official Software for Hardware Wallet Users® updated to the latest versions.
- Verify file checksums and official domain names before downloading installers.
Privacy & data handling for Ledger Live Desktop — Official Software for Hardware Wallet Users®
Ledger Live Desktop — Official Software for Hardware Wallet Users® collects minimal telemetry by default and lets you opt out where applicable. Sensitive credentials such as your recovery phrase are never transmitted. The application may query network endpoints to fetch market and blockchain data; review settings to control which features communicate externally.
Common troubleshooting for Ledger Live Desktop — Official Software for Hardware Wallet Users®
If your device is not detected, ensure the USB cable is data-capable, try different ports, and reboot both device and computer. If an update fails, follow on-screen safe recovery steps and consult official support channels. Do not install third-party patches from unverified sources.
Disclaimer — Ledger Live Desktop — Official Software for Hardware Wallet Users®
Important: This page is informational and not legal or financial advice. Ledger Live Desktop — Official Software for Hardware Wallet Users® is provided by Ledger. Cryptocurrency markets are volatile. You are solely responsible for the security of your funds. Always confirm you are using the official Ledger Live Desktop — Official Software for Hardware Wallet Users® application downloaded from Ledger's official channels. Ledger and the author of this content are not responsible for losses resulting from improper use, compromised devices, or social engineering attacks.
Trademark notice: Ledger and related product names are trademarks of Ledger SAS. The registered trademark symbol ® and other special characters on this page are used for clarity and identification only.