Ledger Live Desktop — Official App

Ledger Live Desktop is the secure, user-friendly application designed to work with Ledger hardware wallets. This page explains how to download Ledger Live, install Ledger Live on desktop, update Ledger Live, add accounts, and protect your crypto — written for clarity and fast indexing.

What is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application that pairs with Ledger hardware wallets so your private keys remain isolated and secure. Ledger Live Desktop provides a complete interface to manage accounts, view portfolio balances, send and receive crypto, install and update device apps, stake supported assets, and interact with trusted third-party integrations — all while keeping cryptographic secrets on your Ledger device.

Why choose Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop brings local-first security and convenience together: it runs on your computer, connects to your Ledger device, and lets you approve every transaction on the device screen. This combination reduces attack surface and ensures that even if your computer is compromised, attackers cannot sign transactions without access to your physical device and PIN.

  • Hardware-backed private keys — never stored on your PC.
  • Multi-asset support — add accounts for many coins and tokens.
  • Built-in Manager for device apps and firmware updates.
  • On-ramp/off-ramp and swap integrations inside Ledger Live Desktop.

How to download Ledger Live Desktop

To download Ledger Live Desktop safely, always go to the official domain (bookmark it). Choose the correct installer for Windows, macOS, or Linux. Avoid unknown download mirrors, third-party sites, or files that arrive via unsolicited email. A conservative, repeatable process: download — verify — install.

  1. Open your browser and navigate to the official download page (verify the domain).
  2. Select the Ledger Live Desktop installer for your operating system.
  3. Prefer HTTPS and confirm the certificate in the browser address bar if uncertain.

Tip: Keep a copy of the installer checksum (when provided) to verify the file later if needed.

Verify the download before you install

Verification reduces risk. When Ledger publishes cryptographic checksums or signatures for Ledger Live Desktop installers, compare them with the file you downloaded. On macOS and Linux you can use native checksum utilities; on Windows you can use programs that compute SHA hashes. If verification fails, delete the file and re-download from the official site.

Security warning: If any page, app, or message ever asks for your 24-word recovery phrase, stop immediately — it is a scam. Ledger Live Desktop and official support will never request your recovery phrase.

Install Ledger Live Desktop — step-by-step

Installation is simple and platform specific. Follow these general steps for a safe Ledger Live install:

  1. Windows: Run the downloaded .exe file and follow the on-screen prompts. Allow the installer only when downloaded from the official domain.
  2. macOS: Open the .dmg, drag Ledger Live to Applications, and open it from Finder. Approve the app in Security & Privacy if required.
  3. Linux: Use the provided AppImage or package as instructed on the official download page.

After installing Ledger Live Desktop, open the app and follow initial onboarding. Create or restore a Ledger profile and connect your Ledger hardware device when prompted.

Update Ledger Live Desktop and device firmware

Keeping Ledger Live Desktop and your Ledger device firmware up-to-date is critical. Ledger Live Desktop will notify you when updates are available. You can perform Ledger Live updates from inside the app or by re-downloading the latest Ledger Live Desktop installer. Firmware updates for the device are done through the Manager tab in Ledger Live Desktop — follow on-screen instructions and never disconnect during a firmware update.

Adding accounts and everyday usage

To add accounts in Ledger Live Desktop, go to Accounts → Add account, choose the asset, connect and unlock your Ledger device, open the corresponding app on the device, and let Ledger Live Desktop detect accounts. Once added, accounts appear in Portfolio and allow you to receive, send, and manage tokens — including ERC-20 tokens for Ethereum accounts.

Best practices — protect your crypto

  • Always download Ledger Live Desktop from the official domain and avoid search-engine impostors.
  • Verify installer checksums/signatures when they are provided.
  • Store your 24-word recovery phrase offline on durable media; never type it in apps or websites.
  • Use a secure PIN on your Ledger device and enable recommended protections.
  • Keep your operating system and browser updated; use reputable antivirus if desired.

If something goes wrong

If Ledger Live Desktop cannot detect your device, try a different USB cable, an alternate port, or reboot your computer. Ensure the correct app is open on the Ledger device when adding accounts. If balances are missing, update Ledger Live Desktop, update device firmware, and re-run the Add account flow. For persistent issues, contact official support channels listed on the Ledger website.