What is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application for managing your Ledger® hardware wallet and cryptocurrency assets. It serves as the primary interface between your physical Ledger® device and the blockchain networks, providing a secure environment to manage your digital assets while keeping your private keys protected on the hardware device.

Unlike web-based wallets or the mobile app, Ledger Live Desktop offers the full suite of features for comprehensive cryptocurrency management, including advanced portfolio tracking, staking capabilities, NFT management, and integrated exchange services—all while maintaining the highest security standards.

Official Ledger Live Page

Key Features of Ledger Live Desktop

Comprehensive Portfolio

View all your cryptocurrency holdings with detailed analytics, historical charts, and performance tracking across all your accounts.

Secure Transactions

Send and receive cryptocurrencies with confidence, knowing that all transactions require physical confirmation on your Ledger® device.

Staking & Earning

Earn rewards by staking supported cryptocurrencies directly through Ledger Live Desktop, with all operations secured by your hardware wallet.

Exchange Integration

Swap cryptocurrencies directly within the application through integrated exchange partners, maintaining security throughout the process.

NFT Management

View, manage, and interact with your NFT collections alongside your cryptocurrency assets, all within the same secure interface.

Advanced Settings

Access experimental features, custom network configurations, and detailed application settings for power users.

Download & Installation

To get started with Ledger Live Desktop, follow these steps:

1Download the Application

Visit the official Ledger Live download page to get the latest version for your operating system. Always ensure you're downloading from the genuine Ledger website to avoid security risks.

2Install the Application

Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. The installation process typically takes just a few minutes.

3Set Up Your Device

If you haven't already, visit Ledger.com/start to initialize your Ledger® hardware wallet and create your recovery phrase.

4Connect Your Device

Open Ledger Live Desktop and connect your Ledger® device using the provided USB cable. Follow the Ledger login process by entering your PIN on the device.

5Install Applications

Use the Manager tab in Ledger Live to install applications for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage.

Security First: Always verify the authenticity of the Ledger Live software by checking the digital signature or downloading only from the official Ledger.com website. Never trust third-party sources for wallet software.

Windows

Compatible with Windows 10 and later versions

macOS

Compatible with macOS 10.14 and later versions

Linux

Available as AppImage for various distributions

Download Ledger Live Desktop

Desktop vs. Mobile Comparison

While both platforms provide secure access to your Ledger Live wallet, the desktop application offers several advantages:

Feature Ledger Live Desktop Ledger Live App
Full Portfolio Management
NFT Management
Staking Capabilities Limited
Exchange Integration
Advanced Settings
Transaction History Complete with charts Basic view only

For most users, Ledger Live Desktop serves as the primary management platform, while the mobile app provides convenient access for checking balances and making quick transactions on the go.

Security Features

Ledger Live Desktop incorporates multiple layers of security to protect your assets:

The Ledger Live login process ensures that even if your computer is compromised, your assets remain secure, as all sensitive operations require physical confirmation on your hardware device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ledger Live Desktop compatible with all Ledger devices?
Yes, Ledger Live Desktop is compatible with all Ledger hardware wallets including Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, and Nano X. The application automatically detects your device type and provides appropriate functionality.
Can I use Ledger Live Desktop without a Ledger hardware device?
No, Ledger Live Desktop is specifically designed to work with Ledger hardware wallets. It requires a connected Ledger device to access most features, as it serves as the interface between your device and the blockchain networks. Without a hardware device, you can only access limited functionality like viewing market data.
How often should I update Ledger Live Desktop?
It's recommended to keep Ledger Live Desktop updated to the latest version to benefit from security improvements, new features, and additional supported cryptocurrencies. The application will notify you when updates are available. Generally, updating every 1-2 months is sufficient for most users.
Can I use Ledger Live Desktop on multiple computers?
Yes, you can install and use Ledger Live Desktop on multiple computers. Your accounts are derived from your device's recovery phrase, so you can access them from any installation of Ledger Live with your hardware device. Note that your transaction history and preferences are stored locally on each computer.
What should I do if Ledger Live Desktop doesn't recognize my device?
If Ledger Live Desktop doesn't recognize your device, try these steps: 1) Ensure you're using the original USB cable, 2) Try a different USB port, 3) Restart the application, 4) Update Ledger Live to the latest version, 5) Update your device firmware through the Manager tab. If problems persist, visit Ledger.com/start for troubleshooting guides.
Is my data synced between Ledger Live Desktop and the mobile app?
While both applications access the same blockchain data for your accounts, they don't sync settings or transaction history between them. Your portfolio balances will be the same, but preferences and local data are stored separately on each device. For complete portfolio tracking, many users primarily use the desktop application while using the mobile app for quick checks and transactions.