Your comprehensive guide to installing, configuring, and securing Ledger Live Desktop for ultimate cryptocurrency protection and management.
Discover the powerful capabilities of Ledger's desktop application for cryptocurrency management
Your private keys remain secure in your Ledger hardware wallet, never exposed to your computer or the internet. All transactions require physical confirmation on your device.
Track all your cryptocurrency investments in one dashboard with real-time price updates, performance charts, and portfolio allocation insights.
Swap cryptocurrencies directly within Ledger Live through trusted exchange partners. Enjoy competitive rates without compromising security.
Manage 5,500+ digital assets including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Polkadot, and all ERC-20 tokens. Install cryptocurrency apps directly to your Ledger device.
Participate in staking programs to earn rewards on your cryptocurrency holdings directly through Ledger Live with complete security.
Receive automatic firmware updates for your Ledger device and regular application updates to ensure you always have the latest security features.
Follow these steps carefully to set up your Ledger device with Ledger Live Desktop
Visit the official Ledger website and download Ledger Live Desktop for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Always verify you're downloading from the official Ledger website to avoid malware.
The download package is approximately 150MB and includes everything needed to run Ledger Live on your desktop computer.
Run the installer file you downloaded. The installation process is straightforward:
The installation typically takes 1-2 minutes depending on your system specifications.
Connect your Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S, Nano S Plus, or Nano X) to your computer using the provided USB cable.
If this is your first time using the device, you'll need to:
Open Ledger Live Desktop and follow the initial setup wizard:
The Ledger Live password encrypts your application data locally on your computer. This adds an extra layer of security in case someone gains physical access to your computer.
Use the Manager tab in Ledger Live to install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage. Each cryptocurrency requires a specific app on your Ledger device.
Popular apps include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Polkadot, and various ERC-20 token apps. You can install multiple apps simultaneously, limited only by your device's storage capacity.
After installing the necessary apps, you can add accounts for each cryptocurrency:
You can create multiple accounts for each cryptocurrency to organize your funds (e.g., savings, trading, etc.).
Ledger Live Desktop implements multiple security layers to protect your digital assets
Ledger Live Desktop works in tandem with your Ledger hardware wallet to provide the highest level of security for your cryptocurrency assets. Your private keys never leave the secure element of your Ledger device.
All transaction signing occurs directly on your hardware wallet, requiring physical confirmation. This means even if your computer is compromised with malware, your funds remain secure.
Ledger Live Desktop is compatible with most modern operating systems
Windows 10, Windows 11 (64-bit)
macOS 10.14 or later
Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch (AppImage)
Get the latest version of Ledger Live for your operating system
Find answers to common questions about Ledger Live Desktop
No, Ledger Live Desktop is specifically designed to work with Ledger hardware wallets (Nano S, Nano S Plus, and Nano X). The security model depends on your private keys being stored securely on the hardware device. While you can download and install the application without a device, you won't be able to create accounts, send transactions, or manage cryptocurrencies without connecting a Ledger hardware wallet. The application serves as an interface to interact with your secured keys on the hardware device.
If Ledger Live Desktop doesn't recognize your device, try these troubleshooting steps:
If these steps don't resolve the issue, visit the Ledger Help Center for more specific troubleshooting guidance.
Firmware updates for Ledger devices are managed through Ledger Live Desktop:
It's crucial to keep your device firmware updated to benefit from the latest security enhancements and features. Always ensure you have your recovery phrase securely stored before performing any firmware update, as a rare interruption during the process could require restoring your device.
No, your cryptocurrency portfolio data is not stored on Ledger's servers. Ledger Live Desktop operates on a principle called "client-side blockchain querying." The application connects directly to blockchain nodes to gather information about your accounts and transactions. Your personal data, account information, and transaction history are stored locally on your computer and encrypted with your Ledger Live password.
This approach ensures that your financial privacy is maintained, and Ledger cannot see your portfolio composition or transaction history. The only information sent to Ledger's servers is anonymous usage data (if you opt in during setup) and necessary information for certain services like the built-in exchange.
Yes, you can use Ledger Live Desktop on multiple computers with the same Ledger hardware wallet. Your cryptocurrency accounts and private keys are stored on your Ledger device, not on any single computer. When you install Ledger Live on a new computer and connect your device, you'll be able to access all your accounts and transaction history (after the application syncs with the blockchain).
Each installation will have its own local database and settings. If you want to synchronize your portfolio view across devices, you can use the experimental synchronization feature that encrypts and stores your account data on Ledger's servers (optional). Otherwise, each installation will need to rediscover your accounts by connecting your device and adding them manually or through the account import process.
Download Ledger Live Desktop today and take control of your digital assets with enterprise-grade security and an intuitive interface designed for both beginners and advanced users.