Ledger® Live: Desktop — Secure Crypto Management

Ledger Live Desktop is the official, secure app for managing cryptocurrencies with Ledger hardware wallets on Windows, macOS and Linux. It combines a clean portfolio UX with hardware-backed signing so your private keys never leave your device.

What Ledger Live Desktop Does

Ledger Live builds and previews transactions on your computer, then asks your Ledger hardware device to sign them. That signature step happens physically on the device screen — creating a strong security boundary between online software and your private keys.

Core capabilities

  • Accounts & portfolio: Track balances, prices and activity across multiple coins and tokens.
  • Send & receive: Create transactions and always verify the destination on your Ledger device before approval.
  • Manager: Install and remove blockchain apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) on your Ledger device.
  • Swap & Buy: Integrated providers let you swap or buy crypto in-app (fees and availability vary).
  • Staking: Stake supported proof-of-stake assets directly while keys stay on device.
Safety first: Always download Ledger Live from ledger.com/start and never share your recovery phrase. Ledger support will never ask for it.

Quick setup (desktop)

  1. Download Ledger Live for your OS from ledger.com/start.
  2. Install and open the app; select "Get started" and follow onboarding.
  3. Initialize your Ledger device (create PIN, write the recovery phrase offline).
  4. Install apps via Manager and add accounts in Ledger Live.
  5. Send a small test transaction to confirm everything.

Security best practices

  • Only install Ledger Live from the official site and keep it updated.
  • Never type or upload your recovery phrase — keep copies offline and ideally on a durable backup.
  • Always verify addresses on the physical device before signing transactions.
  • Consider a dedicated, well-maintained machine for large-value operations.

Troubleshooting tips

If your device isn't detected: try a different USB cable/port, ensure the device is unlocked, reboot Ledger Live, or check Bluetooth permissions for Nano X. Use the in-app Support menu to access official help and guides.