What is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application that pairs with Ledger hardware wallets to securely manage crypto assets, view portfolio, perform swaps, staking, and apply firmware updates while keeping private keys offline.

How does Ledger Live Desktop keep my crypto secure?

Ledger Live builds and displays transactions but requires physical confirmation on your Ledger device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, Stax, etc.). Private keys never leave the secure element on the hardware device.

Which cryptocurrencies and features does it support?

Ledger Live supports thousands of tokens and major blockchains (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.), portfolio tracking, staking for supported coins, in-app swaps, Buy/Sell integrations, and app/firmware management for Ledger devices.

Where should I download Ledger Live Desktop?

Always download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website (ledger.com) to avoid counterfeit apps and malware.

What are the system requirements?

Typical desktop requirements: Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.14+ (Intel), common Linux distributions (x86_64). Ledger's support pages note minimal screen resolution and that some ARM-based systems are not supported.

Ledger Live Desktop — Secure desktop companion for Ledger hardware wallets

Manage, monitor and secure your crypto portfolio with Ledger’s desktop app: offline key security, transaction signing, staking, swaps and firmware management.

At a glance — what Ledger Live Desktop does

Ledger Live Desktop is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It acts as a portfolio manager, transaction builder and device manager. Transactions are displayed and constructed in the app but require confirmation on the hardware device so private keys never leave the device.

Key features & functionality

Secure transaction signing

Build transactions in-app; sign them physically on your Ledger device (Nano series, Stax). Private keys stay in the device's secure element.

Portfolio & multi-account

Aggregate balances across multiple accounts and blockchains, performance charts, historical balances and price alerts.

Staking & earning

Stake supported assets directly through the app to earn rewards without exposing private keys.

Swap & Buy integrations

Swap between tokens in-app and access Buy/Sell partners — transactions still require device confirmation.

Firmware & app management

Install apps on your Ledger device, apply official firmware updates and read Ledger release notes from within Ledger Live.

Security & recovery

Never enter your 24-word seed in software. Ledger Live will never ask for your recovery phrase — any prompt to share it is a scam.

How it works (workflow)

Install Ledger Live Desktop (download from the official Ledger site).
Pair your Ledger hardware wallet via USB (or Bluetooth for supported devices).
Create or add accounts — Ledger Live reads public addresses; private keys remain on-device.
Build transactions in-app, review details, then physically confirm on your device.
Track portfolio, enable staking or swap tokens — approve each action on the device.

Who should use Ledger Live Desktop?

Anyone using a Ledger hardware wallet who wants a robust desktop interface for portfolio tracking, secure transaction signing, staking, swaps and official firmware/app management. It's targeted at both newcomers and experienced holders who prioritize security and UX.

Security best practices (expert guidance)

Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and verify checksums if provided.
Never enter your recovery phrase into any software or website. Ledger Live will never request it.
Keep your OS and Ledger firmware up to date — Ledger publishes release notes and changelogs for transparency.
Use a hardware wallet (Ledger device) for long-term holdings; use software/mobile wallets for small, daily amounts only.
Beware of fake Ledger apps and phishing campaigns — verify publisher, signatures and official domains.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Ledger Live Desktop free to use?

Yes — Ledger Live Desktop is free to download and use. Transaction fees on blockchains or third-party services (Buy/Sell, Swap) still apply.

2. Can Ledger Live Desktop access my seed phrase?

No. Ledger Live never asks for or stores your recovery phrase. If any software prompts you for your recovery phrase, it's malicious — disconnect and reinstall from the official source.

3. Does Ledger Live support staking and which assets?

Ledger Live supports staking for several proof-of-stake networks (e.g., Tezos, Cosmos, certain Ethereum staking flows via third-party integrations). Always check the app’s supported assets list inside Ledger Live or on Ledger’s support pages.

4. How do I update my Ledger device firmware?

Use Ledger Live’s Manager section: connect your device, open Manager, and follow the official prompts to install a firmware update. Only accept firmware updates from Ledger’s official servers.

5. Why are there fake Ledger apps and how do I avoid them?

Cybercriminals create counterfeit apps to harvest seed phrases or credentials. Only download the app from ledger.com, double-check publisher details on stores, and avoid third-party downloads or links from untrusted sources.

6. What if I lose my Ledger device?

If you lose your Ledger device, you can recover your accounts on a new compatible Ledger device (or some compatible wallet) using your 24-word recovery phrase — provided it remains secret and safe. If you suspect compromise, move funds after recovery and change related accounts where possible.