Ledger™ Live: Desktop is the official desktop application that connects seamlessly with your Ledger hardware wallet so you can manage assets safely and confidently.
Ledger™ Live: Desktop is the official desktop application that connects seamlessly with your Ledger hardware wallet so you can manage assets safely and confidently. This page explains how Ledger™ Live: Desktop works, how to complete a ledger live download, why Ledger Live is the standard companion to the ledger live wallet, and practical tips to keep your keys secure. If you're exploring Ledger Live for the first time or switching from another wallet, everything you need is summarized below.
What you'll learn on this page
This landing explains installation steps for Ledger Live Desktop, device pairing, common mistakes to avoid, how the ledger live wallet relationship works, and advanced usage such as third-party integrations and developer workflows. It is oriented toward users who prefer a clear, actionable desktop experience rather than web-only wallets.
Step-by-step: Ledger Live download and desktop installation
Start by visiting the official Ledger download hub. Choose the correct OS build (Windows, macOS, Linux) and confirm the file integrity if Ledger provides checksums. After installing, open Ledger Live and follow the setup wizard. If you already own a ledger device, choose Pair my device and follow the hardware prompts — these steps keep private keys inside the ledger live wallet hardware.
The desktop client stores only metadata and transaction history locally; private key operations are executed on-device. That means that even if your PC is compromised, the actual signature approvals require physical confirmation on the hardware wallet screen.
Security: How Ledger Live Desktop keeps your crypto safe
Ledger Live acts as a user-friendly bridge between your computer and the secure element inside Ledger devices. Transactions are prepared by the app but must be approved on the device itself. The hardware element prevents the extraction of private keys even if the desktop client or operating system is compromised.
Key security practices for Ledger Live Desktop:
Use the latest Ledger Live release and device firmware. Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase in the app or on the computer — recovery belongs only on a new Ledger device during initialization. When possible, obtain Ledger Live from the device manufacturer's site and cross-check release notes on Ledger's blog for any critical security announcements.
Ledger Live wallet features — beyond sending and receiving
Ledger Live has matured into an ecosystem where native features and third-party integrations co-exist. The app supports staking certain assets directly, facilitating swaps via partner services, and aggregating portfolio stats across supported chains. For some assets or features (custom tokens, advanced DeFi interactions), the desktop app can interoperate with native dApps using bridges and providers — always confirming sensitive actions on your actual Ledger device.
Developers can also use Ledger Live and Ledger libraries to debug or test transaction flows locally. When integrating third-party services, verify the partner's credentials and review how signature requests are presented on-device.
How Ledger Live Desktop compares with other wallet workflows
Compared to custodial exchanges, the ledger live wallet model gives you sole custody via hardware keys. Compared to hot wallets (software-only), Ledger Live offers an additional physical confirmation step. Web-only dApps sometimes require browser extensions; Ledger Live's desktop approach centralizes management and reduces dependency on extension security.
Troubleshooting common Ledger Live Desktop issues
USB connectivity problems are frequent: swap cables, try another USB port, or check OS permissions for HID/USB access. If Ledger Live reports "device not found", ensure your device is unlocked and the appropriate blockchain app (e.g., Bitcoin or Ethereum) is opened on the device when performing operations. Ledger Support and community forums have stepwise advice for each platform.
Power user tips and developer notes
Advanced users often pair Ledger Live with local node explorers or analytics tools. When testing custom transactions, sign only predictable transactions and use non-production environments where possible. Ledger’s developer docs and SDKs outline how to build integrations that leave the signature flow on-device.
Official resources and trusted reads
Official documentation and blogs are your first stop for accurate download links, release notes and security advisories. Below are the most useful resources:
• Official Ledger Live download — ledger.com/ledger-live/download
• Ledger Support — support.ledger.com
• Ledger Blog (announcements, security posts) — ledger.com/blog
• Ledger Community — community.ledger.com
Get Ledger Live: Desktop and take control
If you're ready to install, use the official download page and follow the onboarding flow. Ledger Live combined with a ledger live wallet keeps private keys offline and enforces an on-device confirmation model that remains one of the most secure user-facing patterns in the crypto space.