Ledger Live Desktop - Your Secure Gateway to Cryptocurrency Management

The official desktop application for managing your Ledger hardware wallet and cryptocurrency portfolio with maximum security and ease.

Download Ledger Live Desktop

What is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets, providing a secure interface to manage your cryptocurrency assets. This desktop application connects directly to your Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, or Nano X, allowing you to send, receive, buy, sell, and exchange cryptocurrencies while your private keys remain securely stored on your hardware device.

Unlike web-based wallets or exchange interfaces, Ledger Live Desktop operates on your local machine, reducing exposure to online threats. The application communicates with the blockchain through Ledger's secure servers while your private keys never leave your hardware wallet, ensuring the highest level of security for your digital assets.

Note: Ledger Live Desktop is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, providing a consistent experience across all major desktop platforms.

Key Features of Ledger Live Desktop

Portfolio Overview

Get a comprehensive view of all your cryptocurrency holdings in one dashboard. Track performance, view historical charts, and monitor your portfolio's value in real-time across multiple accounts and cryptocurrencies.

Secure Transactions

Send and receive cryptocurrencies with confidence. All transactions must be physically confirmed on your Ledger hardware wallet, ensuring that even if your computer is compromised, your assets remain secure.

Buy & Sell Crypto

Purchase cryptocurrencies directly within the application through Ledger's partner services. Sell your assets and have funds transferred to your bank account, all without leaving the secure environment.

Exchange Integration

Swap between different cryptocurrencies directly within Ledger Live Desktop using integrated exchange services. Enjoy competitive rates without transferring your assets to external exchanges.

Staking & Earning

Participate in staking for supported proof-of-stake cryptocurrencies directly through Ledger Live Desktop. Earn rewards while keeping your assets secure in your hardware wallet.

App Management

Easily install, update, or remove applications on your Ledger device directly from Ledger Live Desktop. Manage which cryptocurrencies you can access with your hardware wallet.

Getting Started with Ledger Live Desktop

Download and Install

Visit the official Ledger website and download Ledger Live Desktop for your operating system. Follow the installation instructions to set up the application on your computer.

Initialize Your Ledger Device

If you're new to Ledger, set up your hardware wallet by following the on-screen instructions to generate your recovery phrase. This 24-word phrase is crucial for recovering your assets if your device is lost or damaged.

Connect and Configure

Connect your Ledger device to your computer via USB and unlock it with your PIN. Ledger Live Desktop will automatically detect your device and guide you through the initial configuration process.

Add Accounts

Create accounts for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage. Ledger Live Desktop supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, and hundreds of other altcoins and tokens through its extensive app ecosystem.

Security Advantages of Ledger Live Desktop

The primary advantage of using Ledger Live Desktop with a Ledger hardware wallet is the unparalleled security it provides for your cryptocurrency assets:

Private Key Protection

Your private keys are generated and stored exclusively on your Ledger hardware device. They never leave the secure element chip, making them immune to computer viruses, malware, or hacking attempts targeting your desktop environment.

Transaction Verification

Every transaction must be physically confirmed on your Ledger device by pressing buttons on the device itself. This ensures that even if your computer is compromised, unauthorized transactions cannot be executed.

Regular Security Updates

Ledger continuously updates both the Ledger Live Desktop application and the firmware on Ledger devices to address emerging security threats and add new features.

Open Source Transparency

While the secure element firmware remains proprietary for security reasons, many components of Ledger Live Desktop are open source, allowing the community to audit the code for potential vulnerabilities.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

Ledger Live Desktop supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and tokens, with new assets regularly added through application updates. Major supported cryptocurrencies include:

For the most current list of supported assets, check the official Ledger website or the "Manager" section within Ledger Live Desktop.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While Ledger Live Desktop is designed to be user-friendly, you may occasionally encounter issues. Here are solutions to common problems:

Device Not Recognized

If Ledger Live Desktop doesn't detect your hardware wallet, try using a different USB cable or port. Ensure you've entered the correct PIN on your device and that it's unlocked.

Transaction Stuck or Pending

Cryptocurrency transactions can sometimes take longer than expected due to network congestion. You can usually speed up transactions by increasing the transaction fee if the cryptocurrency supports it.

Application Crashes or Freezes

If Ledger Live Desktop becomes unresponsive, try closing and reopening the application. Ensure you're using the latest version, as updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements.

For more complex issues, consult the extensive knowledge base on Ledger's website or contact their support team for assistance.