Ledger Live Desktop
Manage crypto & NFTs securely on PC & Mac

Ledger Live Desktop — Manage crypto safely on PC & Mac

Ledger Live Desktop pairs with your Ledger hardware wallet to keep private keys offline while giving you a powerful, user-friendly interface to view balances, send and receive crypto, stake assets, swap tokens, and view NFTs. Desktop is ideal for heavy portfolio management, exporting reports, and performing firmware updates securely.

What this page covers

This landing page explains where to download Ledger Live Desktop, how to install and pair it with your Ledger device, the most useful features for desktop users, clear security practices you must follow, and answers to frequently asked questions. It’s written for beginners and trusted by experienced users who need a reference hub.

Download — Get Ledger Live Desktop safely

Always download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger site. Desktop installers are offered for Windows (.exe), macOS (.dmg) and Linux (AppImage, packages). The download hub includes instructions and optional cryptographic checksums so you can verify installer integrity if you want that extra level of assurance.

Pre-install checklist

  • Confirm the site URL is the official Ledger domain and not a third-party mirror.
  • Check published checksums if you require maximum assurance.
  • Close other wallet apps before installing to avoid conflicts.

Install & pair — step-by-step

  1. Download: choose the correct OS installer from the official page.
  2. Install: on macOS open the .dmg and drag to Applications; on Windows run the .exe and accept the prompts; on Linux use the AppImage or distro packages.
  3. Open Ledger Live: the first run will prompt you to update the app and check firmware.
  4. Connect Ledger device: plug your Ledger via USB (or Bluetooth where supported). Confirm the connection on the device.
  5. Initialize or restore: follow the on-screen flow to set up a new device or restore using your recovery phrase.
  6. Add accounts: add Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other supported accounts inside Ledger Live.
  7. Test: send a small test amount to confirm everything is functioning as expected.

Ledger Live will prompt for firmware updates when needed. Only approve updates when you initiated them and you are on the official site — never accept unexpected prompts from unknown sources.

Features — desktop tools power users love

Unified Portfolio
See balances, asset allocation, and historical charts across all your accounts in one view.
Send & Receive
Build transactions in-app and confirm details securely on your Ledger device before signing.
Buy, Swap & Sell
Access vetted partners to buy crypto with fiat, or swap tokens without exporting keys.
Staking
Stake supported assets and track rewards directly from the desktop interface.
NFT Support
View and manage NFTs on supported networks with hardware verification.
Export & Reports
Export CSVs for tax reporting and auditing — a feature heavy desktop users appreciate.

Security — essential practices

  • Keep your recovery phrase offline: never type, photograph or store your 24-word seed on an internet-connected device.
  • Verify on-device: always confirm addresses and amounts on the Ledger screen before approving any transaction.
  • Update responsibly: apply official Ledger Live and firmware updates only from the verified site.
  • Use durable backups: consider fireproof and waterproof metal backups for long-term storage of recovery words.
  • Beware of phishing: ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase or PIN — any request for these is a scam.

If you suspect a compromised installer or fraudulent contact, stop and consult official support resources. Never perform recovery steps instructed by unverified third parties.

FAQ — quick answers

Do I need a Ledger device to use Ledger Live Desktop?

Yes — Ledger Live pairs with Ledger hardware to keep private keys secure. The app alone does not provide hardware-grade key protection.

Is Ledger Live Desktop free?

Yes, the application is free to download and use. Network fees and third-party partner fees may apply when transacting or using services.

What if I lose my device?

Restore your wallet on a new Ledger device using your 24-word recovery phrase. If the seed is lost, funds cannot be recovered.