What is Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application that pairs with Ledger hardware wallets to manage cryptocurrencies securely. It provides a polished user interface to view balances, add and remove accounts, install blockchain apps on your device, and approve transactions. Critical to its design, Ledger Live Desktop keeps private keys isolated on the hardware: all sensitive approvals are confirmed physically on the device screen, protecting funds from remote attacks.
Getting started
To begin with Ledger Live Desktop, download the installer only from the official Ledger website. Install the application for Windows, macOS, or Linux, then connect your Ledger device using the original USB cable. The first-run wizard walks you through initializing a new device or restoring an existing wallet from a 24-word recovery phrase — a process that should be completed strictly on the hardware, not via a website.
Core security model
The security model of Ledger Live Desktop relies on the hardware wallet. While Ledger Live manages user experience and connects to blockchain data, signing authority remains on the device. When you prepare a transaction, the unsigned payload is sent to the device, transaction details are displayed for you to review, and only after your physical confirmation does the device sign and return the transaction to Ledger Live for broadcasting.
Features & daily use
Ledger Live Desktop supports multiple accounts and a broad list of tokens and blockchains. It includes portfolio overviews, activity history, and integrations for swaps and staking where supported. You can also install and update network-specific apps on the Ledger device directly through Ledger Live Desktop, keeping compatibility and security up to date.
Troubleshooting common issues
- If the app does not detect the device: try another USB cable or port, close any conflicting wallet software, and restart Ledger Live Desktop.
- When firmware or app updates are required: follow on-screen instructions and update the device first to minimize incompatibilities.
- If balances look incorrect: use the resynchronize option in the account settings to refresh blockchain data.
Privacy & telemetry
Ledger Live Desktop is designed to collect minimal telemetry; users can opt out of analytics in settings. Addresses and balances are retrieved from public blockchain sources — your private keys never leave the hardware device. For added privacy, use different accounts for separate purposes and avoid address reuse where practical.
Advanced protections
Advanced users can enable a passphrase (an optional 25th word) to create hidden wallets on the same hardware device. This adds a powerful privacy layer but must be handled carefully: losing the passphrase can make funds unrecoverable. Consider practicing recovery on a spare device before relying on passphrase-protected wallets.
Final recommendations
Always download Ledger Live Desktop from Ledger.com, verify installers when possible, back up recovery phrases on durable material, and use a unique device PIN. If you hit an issue you can’t resolve, rely on Ledger’s official support resources — never share your recovery phrase with anyone.