Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting Started with Ledgér | Lédger (2025)
Ledger® Live Desktop is the official and secure desktop application for managing your cryptocurrency portfolio alongside your Ledger hardware wallets—such as the Ledger Nano S, Nano X, and the new Ledger Stax. In 2025, Ledger Live Desktop remains a cornerstone for self-custody crypto holders, ensuring your private keys stay offline while empowering seamless sending, receiving, swapping, and staking all in one desktop experience.
This guide walks you through installing Ledger Live Desktop, setting up for first use, unlocking key features, security practices, and troubleshooting to help you take full control of your crypto assets safely and efficiently.
What is Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop is Ledger’s official application that provides a user-friendly interface for hardware wallet owners to safely manage thousands of cryptocurrencies on Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. Unlike browser wallets or mobile apps, Ledger Live Desktop offers enhanced security features, a large screen experience, and frequent updates to keep pace with evolving crypto protocols and security standards.
Private keys are never exposed to the internet or saved on the computer—they remain securely stored within your Ledger device, and every critical action is approved physically on the hardware itself.
Key Features of Ledger Live Desktop
- Manage over 5,000 coins and tokens including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and ERC-20 tokens.
- Securely send and receive cryptocurrencies, fully protected by device confirmations.
- Easily buy, swap, and stake crypto assets via integrated trusted partners.
- Real-time portfolio overview with price charts and historic performance.
- Firmware and app management: install or uninstall installed blockchain apps on your Ledger device.
- Advanced security settings, including password protection and encrypted local storage.
- Integration with Web3 dApps and decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols via WalletConnect.
System Requirements for Ledger Live Desktop
- Windows 10 or higher, macOS 10.14+ (Mojave or newer), or Linux (Ubuntu 20.04+ recommended).
- USB port for hardware wallet connection.
- Internet connection for downloading updates, syncing prices, and network communications.
- Minimum 200 MB free storage space.
How to Download and Install Ledger Live Desktop
- Go to the official Ledger website at https://ledger.com/ledger-live.
- Choose the Ledger Live Desktop download matching your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux).
- Run the downloaded installer file.
- Follow the on-screen installer prompts to completion.
- Launch Ledger Live Desktop after installation finishes.
- Connect your Ledger hardware wallet with a USB cable.
- Create a local app password for additional security (optional but recommended).
Getting Started: Using Ledger Live Desktop
Once installed and connected, Ledger Live Desktop guides you through:
- Performing a genuine check to verify your Ledger device’s authenticity.
- Installing blockchain apps on your device (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.).
- Adding and managing accounts for supported cryptocurrencies.
- Viewing portfolio balances on the main dashboard.
- Sending and receiving crypto with transaction confirmation on the hardware device.
- Buying, swapping, or staking supported coins via Ledger’s trusted integration partners.
Ledger Live Desktop Interface Overview
The main tabs within Ledger Live Desktop include:
- Portfolio: Track the real-time value and performance of your aggregated crypto assets.
- Accounts: Add and manage individual blockchain wallets securely linked to your Ledger device.
- Send & Receive: Generate receiving addresses or send cryptocurrency with physical device approval.
- Buy, Sell, Swap: Access curated fiat and crypto exchanges for seamless asset conversion.
- Manager: Install or uninstall blockchain apps on your Ledger device for supported coins.
- Settings: Customize security, language, currencies, notifications, and manage firmware updates.
Ledger Live vs Mobile App: Which One to Use?
Ledger Live is available both as a desktop application and a mobile app. Desktop is ideal for:
- Advanced portfolio management with large screen and detailed charts.
- Frequent firmware/app updates with ease of use.
- Enhanced security environment with hardware wallet physical controls.
- Professional features like multiple account management and detailed transaction history.
Mobile offers convenience for daily checks, sending/receiving on the go, and wallet syncing. Many Ledger users combine both for the best experience.
Security Best Practices with Ledger Live Desktop
- Always download Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger.com site.
- Verify your Ledger device authenticity through Ledger Live’s genuine check feature before use.
- Never share your recovery phrase or PIN with anyone.
- Confirm every transaction detail physically on your Ledger hardware before approval.
- Keep Ledger Live Desktop and your device firmware updated to benefit from the latest security patches.
- Use a strong local password for Ledger Live Desktop to protect app access.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- If Ledger Live doesn’t recognize your device, reconnect the USB cable and try another USB port.
- Restart Ledger Live or your computer if connectivity issues persist.
- Ensure your Ledger device is unlocked and on the correct app for the cryptocurrency being accessed.
- Update Ledger Live and device firmware to the latest versions.
- Disable conflicting USB peripherals or security software temporarily to rule out interference.
Comparison: Ledger Live Desktop vs Other Wallet Managers
| Feature |
Ledger Live Desktop |
MetaMask |
Trust Wallet |
| Hardware Wallet Integration |
Yes – Ledger devices |
No |
No |
| Multi-Currency Support |
Over 5,000 coins and tokens |
Most EVM chains |
Many blockchains |
| Built-in Buy/Swap/Staking |
Yes |
Limited |
Limited |
| Transaction Approval |
Physical Ledger device confirmation |
Browser confirmation |
App confirmation |
| User Interface |
Advanced desktop interface |
Browser extension |
Mobile app |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Ledger Live Desktop free to use?
Yes. Ledger Live Desktop is free and open for all Ledger hardware wallet owners.
Can I manage multiple Ledger devices with one Ledger Live installation?
Yes. You can connect and manage multiple Ledger devices within Ledger Live Desktop, managing separate accounts for each safely.
Can I back up my Ledger Live portfolio?
Your portfolio shows wallet balances accessible with your hardware device’s seed phrase. Backup your seed phrase offline to restore wallets on any Ledger device.
What do I do if Ledger Live Desktop does not detect my device?
Ensure your device is unlocked, try another USB port, restart Ledger Live, and check for software updates. Refer to Ledger support for advanced troubleshooting.
Is Ledger Live Desktop safer than browser wallets?
Yes. It requires hardware device confirmation for all transactions, never exposing private keys to the internet or browser vulnerabilities.