Ledger Live Desktop
Manage crypto safely on PC & Mac

Ledger Live Desktop — Manage Crypto Safely on PC & Mac

Ledger Live Desktop is the official companion app that pairs with your Ledger hardware wallet to deliver a secure, polished experience for managing cryptocurrency and NFTs. Keep your private keys on the device while you view balances, sign transactions, stake tokens, and swap assets — all from a friendly desktop interface.

Hardware-Backed Security

Private keys never leave your Ledger device. Ledger Live only requests signatures — every action must be confirmed on the device’s screen.

Unified Portfolio

Track balances, recent transactions, NFT collections and performance charts across multiple accounts and blockchains in one place.

Buy, Swap & Stake

Use integrated partners to buy or sell, swap between tokens with competitive quotes, and stake supported assets while keeping custody of your keys.

Step 1 — Download & Verify

Visit the official Ledger website and download Ledger Live for your operating system. Verify the download when checksums or signatures are provided to avoid tampered installers.

Step 2 — Install & Launch

Run the installer, open Ledger Live, and create a new portfolio or restore an existing one. Ledger Live stores only metadata and preferences — your seed remains on the device.

Step 3 — Pair Your Ledger Device

Connect your Ledger hardware (USB or Bluetooth where supported), unlock with your PIN, and accept the pairing prompt. Ledger Live will detect accounts and let you add them to your portfolio.

Step 4 — Try a Small Transaction

Send a small test amount to confirm your workflow. Always verify recipient addresses and amounts on the Ledger screen before approving — on-device verification is essential.

Security Principles

  • Keys stay offline: All signing happens on the hardware.
  • Verify on-device: Your Ledger display is the single source of truth.
  • Protect your seed: Keep your 24-word recovery phrase written and stored offline.
  • Official downloads only: Avoid third-party mirrors.
  • Firmware updates: Apply updates through Ledger Live after verifying the prompts.
  • Watch for phishing: Always type URLs manually and check domain authenticity.
On-device Approval Recovery Phrase Firmware Verification Open-source Audits

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ledger Live Desktop free?
Yes — Ledger Live is free to download and use. A Ledger hardware device is required to sign and control funds.
Can I use Ledger Live without a device?
You can run watch-only mode to monitor addresses, but signing and broadcasting transactions requires the physical device.
What if I lose my Ledger?
Use your recovery phrase to restore funds on a new Ledger or compatible wallet. If your recovery phrase is compromised, move funds to a new wallet immediately.