What is Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop is the desktop client (Windows, macOS, Linux) for interacting with your Ledger hardware wallet. It provides a secure interface to view balances, send and receive assets, install apps on your Ledger device, and monitor portfolio performance. Unlike custodial platforms, private keys remain on your Ledger device — Ledger Live acts as the trusted bridge between hardware and software.
Download & Install: Ledger Live Download
- Go to the official Ledger Live Download page: ledger.com/ledger-live/download.
- Choose the appropriate OS (Windows/macOS/Linux) and install the desktop package.
- Follow on-screen steps; if prompted, visit Ledger.com/start for device initialization guides.
Always download Ledger Live Desktop from ledger.com to avoid phishing and malicious installers.
Ledger Live Login & Wallet Setup
Ledger Live does not create a cloud account — the authentication process ties to your Ledger device and PIN. Typical steps:
- Open Ledger Live and choose Get Started.
- Connect your Ledger hardware wallet via USB and enter the device PIN.
- If you have a new device, follow Ledger's device setup or use your existing recovery phrase to restore.
- Install desired coin apps on the device via Ledger Live, add accounts in the app, and the Ledger Live Wallet dashboard will populate balances.
Tip: Ledger Live Login requires physical access to the device — if the device is disconnected, you cannot sign transactions.
Key Features of Ledger Live App (Desktop)
- Unified portfolio overview and real-time balance tracking.
- Secure transaction signing using your Ledger hardware wallet.
- Integrated app catalog to add support for coins and tokens.
- Swap and staking integrations (where available) through partners — executed with device confirmation.
- Transaction history, exportable reports, and address book management.
Security Best Practices
- Download Ledger Live Desktop only from Ledger.com/start or official Ledger pages.
- Never share your 24-word recovery phrase — Ledger never asks for it.
- Keep device firmware and Ledger Live updated to the latest versions.
- Verify transaction details on the Ledger device screen before confirming.
FAQ — Ledger Live Desktop
- Q: Can I use Ledger Live without a Ledger device?
A: No — Ledger Live requires a Ledger hardware wallet to sign transactions and access private keys. - Q: Is Ledger Live Desktop free?
A: Yes, Ledger Live Desktop is free to download and use; hardware devices are sold separately. - Q: What do I do if Ledger Live doesn't detect my device?
A: Try a different USB cable/port, enable experimental USB settings in your OS, or follow troubleshooting at Ledger.com/start.