ledger live desktop

Secure Hardware Wallet Management

Ledger Live Desktop — Manage crypto with confidence

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop companion for Ledger hardware wallets. It combines strong security practices with a clear, approachable interface so users can manage assets, track performance, and perform transactions on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Key benefits

Designed for security & simplicity

Hardware-backed security

Private keys remain safely stored on your Ledger device — transactions are signed on-device for maximum protection.

Portfolio overview

See all your accounts and balances in one place with clear charts and activity history.

Manage apps

Install and manage blockchain apps on your Ledger device through an integrated app manager.

Ledger Live Desktop supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and network types while prioritizing security, transparency, and user control.

Features in depth

Everything you need to manage crypto locally and securely

Local device signing

All signing occurs on your Ledger device: the desktop app prepares the transaction but the private keys never leave the hardware wallet.

Multi-account & multi-currency

Create accounts for different blockchains and currencies, monitor allocations, and switch between portfolios.

Secure firmware updates

Ledger Live Desktop provides a guided firmware update flow so that your device stays secure and up to date while keeping you in control.

Transaction history & analytics

Track transaction history, performance charts, and export activity for personal record keeping.

Integrated app manager

Easily install and remove blockchain-specific apps on your hardware wallet without exposing private keys.

Advanced options for power users

Customize gas fees, set custom derivation paths, and use expert mode for granular control over transactions.

Privacy-first design

Ledger Live Desktop minimizes data collection and keeps most actions local, reducing exposure while improving transparency.

Secure onboarding

A clear guided onboarding process helps new users configure their device and create secure backups of their recovery phrase.

Notifications & alerts

Receive local alerts for important firmware updates, app changes, and account activity (if the user opts in).

Cross-platform support

Available for Windows, macOS, and major Linux distributions to fit a wide range of desktop environments.

Easy account recovery guidance

Step-by-step guidance is provided for securely storing and recovering your wallet using the recovery phrase — always keep this secret and offline.

Staking & rewards

Stake supported assets through the desktop interface and monitor reward schedules and estimated returns.

Token management

Add custom tokens, monitor token balances, and manage watch-only addresses safely.

Secure coin-to-coin operations

Perform swaps and coin exchanges where supported, with explicit on-device confirmation for each operation.

Accessibility features

Keyboard navigation, high contrast UI modes, and screen-reader compatibility help make the app more accessible.

Open-format exports

Export transaction history and account snapshots in common formats for tax reporting and personal accounting.

Local encryption

Optional local encryption of app data protects sensitive metadata stored on your computer.

Offline transaction support

Prepare transactions on an offline machine and sign with a connected Ledger device when ready.

Developer-friendly tools

Developers can use integrations and developer tools to test interactions with Ledger devices in a secure environment.

Local backups

Ledger Live Desktop encourages secure, offline backup practices for your recovery phrase; the app itself avoids storing private keys.

Performance & reliability

Optimized for minimal resource use with fast startup and smooth UI transitions for a pleasant desktop experience.

Clear security messaging

In-app explanations help users understand risk, recovery practices, and how to verify device authenticity.

Transaction preview

Preview full transaction details inside the app before authorizing on your Ledger device for full transparency.

Built for long-term custody

Ledger Live Desktop is designed to support users focused on secure, long-term storage of crypto assets using hardware safeguards.

Regular security audits

Best-practice security reviews and audits help keep the application resilient against threats and vulnerabilities.

Clear upgrade path

Guided upgrade flows ensure device firmware and app versions are compatible to minimize confusion and risk.

User-friendly recovery checks

Optional tools allow users to verify their recovery phrase without exposing it in plain text to the desktop environment.

Intuitive transaction builder

A clean transaction builder helps new users craft transfers while still offering advanced controls for experienced users.

Secure metadata handling

Account labels, notes, and other metadata are kept private and stored locally unless the user chooses otherwise.

Watch-only accounts

Add watch-only addresses to monitor balances without having transaction signing capability on the desktop app.

Custom fee presets

Save and select fee presets for recurring transaction preferences to streamline workflow while keeping control.

Language support

Multiple language support helps users worldwide access Ledger Live Desktop in their preferred language.

Data minimization

The app follows data minimization principles: only essential metadata is processed to improve the user experience.

Local cryptographic proofs

Where applicable, cryptographic proofs are presented for advanced users verifying network data integrity.

Frequently asked questions

Helpful answers for common queries
Is Ledger Live Desktop free to use?

Yes — the application is free to download and use. Hardware devices are separate purchases.

Does Ledger Live Desktop store my private keys?

No — private keys are stored on the Ledger hardware device. The desktop app orchestrates operations but never exposes your private keys.

What platforms does it support?

Ledger Live Desktop supports Windows, macOS, and many Linux distributions. Check the application settings for platform-specific notes.

How do I securely back up my wallet?

Follow the recommended recovery phrase backup process during device setup. Store the recovery phrase offline and never share it with others.

Can I use Ledger Live Desktop without a Ledger hardware device?

You can use watch-only features and view supported tokens, but signing transactions requires a Ledger hardware wallet connected to the desktop app.

About Ledger Live Desktop

Ledger Live Desktop is focused on providing a secure, reliable, and transparent management experience for users who store cryptocurrency assets using Ledger hardware wallets. The application emphasizes local device signing, minimized data collection, and a clear upgrade path to help users maintain a strong security posture. It is designed to be simple for new users while providing powerful controls for advanced users.

Security-first design philosophy

The application places private keys on the hardware device and uses the desktop interface mainly to build transactions and display account data. Firmware updates are clearly communicated and applied with user consent. Storing recovery phrases offline and safeguarding them is a strongly recommended best practice emphasized throughout the onboarding flow.

How Ledger Live Desktop fits in your workflow

For users seeking long-term custody and safe handling of crypto assets, Ledger Live Desktop offers a balance of accessibility and hardened security. It is well-suited for everyday portfolio monitoring, periodic transactions, and advanced operations like staking and token management when supported.

Privacy and transparency

Ledger Live Desktop implements privacy-preserving choices in its default configuration. Users are encouraged to review settings to fine-tune data sharing and local storage preferences to match their desired privacy level.

Best practices

  1. Keep firmware updated through the guided flow in the app.
  2. Store recovery phrases offline in a secure location.
  3. Verify device authenticity and never disclose your recovery phrase.
  4. Use watch-only accounts for monitoring purposes where signing is not required.

Supported use-cases

Ledger Live Desktop is ideal for portfolio monitoring, secure on-device signing, managing blockchain-specific apps on Ledger devices, staking supported assets, and exporting transaction records for personal accounting.

Design & accessibility

The app includes accessibility features such as keyboard navigation and contrast modes to assist a wide range of users. Internationalization and language support continue to expand to serve a global audience.

Commitment to secure upgrades and audits

Security audits and regular updates ensure the application remains robust against emerging threats. Users are encouraged to keep both their app and device firmware current.