Ledger Live Desktop is the official application developed by Ledger that lets you manage your cryptocurrency assets via your Ledger hardware wallet. Your private keys never leave the device—Ledger Live Desktop acts as the interface for viewing balances, sending/receiving crypto, installing apps on the device, keeping firmware updated, and more. You can download it for desktop platforms from the official Ledger site. Ledger+1
The application supports a wide range of coins and tokens, and integrates with a hardware wallet to keep keys offline while giving you desktop-based convenience. homepage-ledgr-en-us.pages.dev+1
Step 1: Download the App
Visit the official Ledger Download webpage: https://www.ledger.com/start and select the desktop version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux). Ledger+1
Also, you can verify the binary signature of your download via this page: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live/lld-signatures to make sure your install is authentic. Ledger
Step 2: Install & Connect the Device
Once downloaded and installed, open the application and connect your Ledger hardware wallet (e.g., Ledger Nano series) via USB. Unlock the device by entering your PIN when prompted on the device.
Step 3: Add or Restore Accounts
In the application, you can add accounts (for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other supported networks) or restore via your recovery phrase if you are migrating from another device.
Step 4: Use the Dashboard
After setup, you’ll be able to see your portfolio, send/receive funds, install/uninstall blockchain apps on your hardware wallet, update firmware, and monitor activity. The desktop app gives you a consolidated view of your assets.
Step 5: Stay Secure & Updated
Because your private keys reside on the hardware wallet and not in the app itself, you must keep both the Ledger Live Desktop software and your hardware’s firmware up to date. Always download updates from the official site. Also, verify the download signature where provided.
Non-custodial security: Your private keys remain on your Ledger device—not in the software—so even if the app or computer is compromised, your keys are not exposed. homepage-ledgr-en-us.pages.dev
Multi-asset support: The app supports dozens of coins and tokens across different networks, consolidating your portfolio in one interface. Ledger
Firmware & app management: You can manage your hardware wallet’s internal apps and firmware directly through the desktop client.
Portfolio & transaction view: See real-time balances, transaction history, account activity and even notifications for updates or security alerts.
Official verification: Download signatures are available so you can verify you’ve obtained a legitimate build. Ledger
Only download Ledger Live Desktop from Ledger’s official site (e.g., ledger.com) and verify the file’s signature to avoid malicious or fake software. Ledger+1
Never share your 24-word recovery phrase or PIN. Ledger will never ask you to enter your full seed phrase in the software or via email.
Keep both the software and your hardware wallet’s firmware up to date to ensure you have the latest security enhancements.
If your app or device asks you for your recovery phrase unexpectedly—especially during a “login” or “update”—that’s likely a scam.
Use a secure computer environment—for example, avoid installing in unknown networks or on heavily compromised systems.
While Ledger offers mobile versions of their wallet app, the desktop version is especially useful if you:
Frequently connect via USB and want full hardware-wallet interaction.
Prefer working on a larger screen or need to manage multiple accounts concurrently.
Want advanced features like bulk account views, firmware update tools and detailed transaction history.
Wish to maintain a dedicated, secure desktop setup for crypto management.