Ledger™ Live Desktop* — the desktop heart of Ledger security
Ledger™ Live Desktop* is the desktop companion built for Ledger hardware wallets, enabling users to manage assets, monitor portfolios, exchange tokens, and stake supported coins — all while ensuring private keys remain securely stored inside the hardware device. The philosophy is simple: give users the convenience of a modern desktop app without compromising the hardware-backed security model. Every critical action is confirmed on the device’s screen to prevent remote signing by malware or compromised hosts.
This model makes Ledger Live Desktop* distinct from web-only wallets and browser extensions: the desktop app acts as a sophisticated, locally-run interface that coordinates with the Ledger device for signing. Because signing never occurs on the host computer, attackers must physically access the device to finalize transactions — a significant defensive advantage for real-world asset security.
Where to find the official Ledger Live download and keep safe
Always obtain the Ledger™ Live Desktop* installer from Ledger’s official start and download pages. Ledger publishes installers for Windows, macOS, and Linux and often includes cryptographic checksums and signature files to help verify the integrity of each release. Users who verify these signatures reduce the risk of executing a tampered binary.
For quick access, Ledger’s official resources include the Ledger Start page and the Ledger Live release pages. If you are ever unsure about a download source, refrain from installing and consult Ledger Support. Links are provided in the resources panel to the right for direct access to the official pages.
How Ledger™ Live Desktop* works with the Ledger live wallet device
The integration between the Ledger™ Live Desktop* app and a Ledger hardware wallet follows a secure choreography: the desktop app constructs a transaction, sends the unsigned transaction to the Ledger device, and then the device presents transaction details on its secure screen. The user verifies and approves the transaction on-device with physical buttons or touch (depending on the device model), and only then is the signature created and returned to the desktop app for broadcast. This pattern ensures the private key never leaves the secure element.
Because the Ledger Live Wallet is responsible for account discovery and indexing, the desktop app gives you a rich view of balances, activity, and market data. Advanced tooling in Ledger Live Desktop* also enables device management (installing coin apps), firmware updates, and partner integrations for swaps or purchases — each requiring device confirmation where applicable.
Practical security checklist for Ledger™ Live Desktop*
The following practices maintain the strongest posture when using the Ledger™ Live Desktop* app:
• Download only from ledger.com/start and verify signatures where available.
• Keep your operating system and antivirus software up to date.
• Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase into any application or website — recovery phrases should only be used on-device or in an approved restore process.
• Use a known-good USB cable and avoid unknown hubs or shared computers.
• When updating firmware, follow official Ledger guidance and verify update integrity.
Ledger live wallet features inside Ledger™ Live Desktop*
Ledger Live Desktop* brings powerful features to the desktop: portfolio aggregation, transaction history, exchange/swap interfaces with partner liquidity providers, staking dashboards for supported tokens, and the Manager to install device applications. The UI provides clarity and control: each action that affects your funds triggers a visible confirmation on your Ledger device to preserve the security boundary.
For organizations or users managing many addresses, Ledger Live Desktop* supports deterministic account discovery and advanced account labeling, making it easier to reconcile assets across multiple devices or custodial workflows.
Privacy & data handling in Ledger™ Live Desktop*
Ledger Live Desktop* stores non-sensitive local metadata to improve UX (cached balances, display preferences, and device pairing data). Ledger documents telemetry and privacy controls that let users opt out of optional data collection. If privacy is paramount, consider running the app on a dedicated machine and disabling telemetry in preferences.
Note: the private keys and recovery material remain isolated on the secure element; Ledger Live Desktop* does not and cannot extract these secrets — that’s the core security guarantee.
Troubleshooting & support for Ledger™ Live Desktop*
If Ledger Live Desktop* cannot detect your device, verify cable/port quality, unlock your device, open the relevant app on-device (for example Bitcoin or Ethereum app), and ensure no other wallet software is exclusively controlling the USB device. For OS-specific driver issues (especially older Windows versions), consult the official support pages and follow documented steps.
TIP: Try another USB port, use a short high-quality cable, and temporarily disable browser wallet extensions while troubleshooting device discovery.
Official resources & quick links
Final thoughts — why Ledger™ Live Desktop* matters
Ledger™ Live Desktop* is the blend of modern desktop convenience with hardened, hardware-backed security. For users who hold digital assets, the combination of a Ledger device and Ledger Live Desktop* reduces the complexity of secure custody while giving practical tools to manage, trade, and grow crypto holdings. Follow official download channels, verify installers, and always confirm transactions on-device — then you’ll be leveraging the full power of a true hardware-backed wallet experience.