Ledger Live Desktop — Manage your crypto with hardware-backed security
Ledger Live Desktop pairs a slick, fast desktop experience with the industry-leading hardware security of Ledger devices. Built for collectors, traders, builders and institutions alike, Ledger Live gives you a single place to check balances, send and receive assets, install blockchain apps, stake tokens, and interact with decentralized applications — all while your private keys remain isolated on your Ledger hardware device.
This desktop app is designed to be your trusted control center: fast portfolio syncing, clear transaction flows, and safety-first UX that minimizes mistakes. Whether you're onboarding a first crypto wallet or managing a multi-asset portfolio across accounts, Ledger Live Desktop helps you act confidently and securely.
Why choose Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live focuses on three core priorities: security, transparency, and productivity. Security is enforced by hardware isolation — your private keys never leave the Ledger device — while the desktop app provides an intuitive interface for everyday operations. Transparent transaction details, clear signing steps, and offline verification mean you always retain control.
All private keys are stored on your Ledger device. Transactions are signed on-device and confirmed visually so malware or compromised computers cannot steal your keys.
Manage hundreds of coins and tokens from a single interface with robust account management and clear asset breakdowns.
Stake supported assets directly inside Ledger Live — delegate to validators or use on-chain staking flows while your keys remain secure.
Install, update, and manage blockchain apps on your Ledger device. The app catalog makes it simple to add new chains and tools as they are supported.
Getting started — a quick overview
Download Ledger Live Desktop for Windows, macOS, or Linux, then connect your Ledger hardware device to begin. A guided onboarding flow helps you:
- Create or restore a wallet using your 24-word recovery phrase (never share it).
- Install or update the apps you need on the device through the built-in Manager.
- Add accounts for supported blockchains and sync balances securely.
Every send requires an on-device confirmation. That means your computer prepares a transaction, but the Ledger device displays the final details and asks you to physically approve it. This separation dramatically lowers the risk of remote theft.
Portfolio insights & activity
Ledger Live Desktop gives clear, actionable insights into your holdings and recent activity. Track performance, see historical gains and losses, and export reports for tax purposes. Customizable watchlists, price alerts, and integrated news make it easier to stay informed without leaving the app.
For advanced users, the app exposes transaction details, fee estimates, and raw data so you can verify everything that happens on-chain. Ledger Live never hides the details you need to audit your own account.
Security — how Ledger Live keeps you safe
Ledger Live is designed around hardware security. Important points to remember:
- Your recovery phrase is your last resort. Ledger will never ask for it — keep it offline and secure.
- Check addresses on-device. Always confirm the recipient address shown on your Ledger device before approving a transaction.
- Use official channels. Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website to avoid tampered installers.
The desktop environment performs network operations (syncing balances, fetching fees), but the critical cryptographic operations are performed on the device. This architecture is the strongest practical guard against remote compromises.
DeFi, apps, and integrations
Ledger Live acts as a gateway to other tools. Connect to decentralized applications and third-party services while keeping your keys protected. The app supports safe flows for delegation, token swaps (when available in your region), and DApp interactions that require an on-device signature.
For developers and power users, the Manager and experimental features allow flexibility while still keeping security boundaries intact.