Ledger Live® Desktop

Introduction

Welcome to Ledger Live Desktop, the ultimate desktop application for securely managing your cryptocurrency assets. Designed for both new and experienced users, the software pairs seamlessly with your Ledger hardware wallet to keep your private keys offline while providing a powerful, intuitive interface for managing your portfolio.

Why Choose It?

There are three pillars behind Ledger Live Desktop:

• Security — Your private keys never leave your Ledger hardware device. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
• Convenience — One dashboard, multiple assets, live tracking, staking, swaps and more. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Flexibility — Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux; supports thousands of coins and tokens. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Key Features at a Glance

• Multi-Asset Support: Manage Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and thousands of other coins/tokens all from one place. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Real-Time Portfolio Tracking: Visualize your holdings, track performance, monitor value over time. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Secure Transactions: Every send, receive, swap or stake is signed on your hardware device. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Staking & Rewards: Delegate assets and earn rewards from supported networks all while retaining full control. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Buy, Sell & Swap: Integrated third-party services let you buy crypto with fiat, swap assets, or cash out safely. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Device & App Management: Install blockchain apps, update firmware, manage your Ledger device from the same interface. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

How It Works: Step by Step

1. Download the application from the official website and install it on your desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux). :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
2. Connect your Ledger hardware wallet to your computer via USB (or compatible Bluetooth model) and open Ledger Live Desktop.
3. Install any required blockchain apps on your device via the “Manager” in Ledger Live.
4. Add accounts for the assets you wish to manage — e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
5. Send, receive, stake, or swap assets—each transaction is prepared in the app, confirmed manually on the physical device. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Security Model & Best Practices

The strength of Ledger Live Desktop lies in its hardware-backed key management. Your private keys reside in the secure element of the Ledger device and never touch your computer or the internet. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

But security is a shared effort. Here are some best practices:

• Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase on your computer. The Ledger app will never ask for it. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• Download Ledger Live only from the official site and verify digital signatures where available.
• Set a strong PIN on your hardware wallet and store your recovery phrase offline in a secure place.
• Keep your firmware and the Ledger Live app updated — updates may include patches for vulnerabilities. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
• Be alert to phishing scams: attackers may imitate Ledger support or send fake apps. One recent alert warns macOS users of fake Ledger Live apps stealing seed phrases. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

Getting Started – Quick Guide

Ready to begin? Follow this streamlined process:

• Download the app from the official source.
• Connect your Ledger device to your computer.
• Initialize a new wallet or restore an existing one using your recovery phrase (on the device only). :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• Add accounts for the assets you intend to manage.
• Explore the dashboard: view portfolio, send/receive, stake, swap.

Common Questions & Considerations

Supported assets: The app supports thousands of coins and tokens across multiple blockchains. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

Is it free? Yes — Ledger Live Desktop is free to download and use alongside your Ledger hardware wallet. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

What happens if my computer is compromised? Because the core signing happens on the hardware device and your keys never leave, even a hacked PC cannot send funds without your physical approval. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}

What about backups? Your recovery phrase is your ultimate backup. Store it offline. The app and device rely on it if you need to restore your wallet. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}

Why It Matters

In today’s digital-asset ecosystem, custody and security are everything. Many users leave their assets on exchanges or non-custodial software wallets where keys may be exposed. With Ledger Live Desktop combined with a Ledger hardware wallet, you reclaim full control — “self-custody” becomes practical, secure and usable.

This isn’t just about holding crypto; it’s about doing so confidently, transparently and with clear visibility. The desktop environment gives you scale, analytics, and integration, while the hardware ensures protection. Together they form a powerful tool for responsible crypto ownership.