What is Ledger Live Desktop and why it matters
Ledger Live Desktop is the trusted desktop companion to Ledger hardware wallets. It consolidates every major wallet function — account management, asset tracking, staking, buying, selling, NFTs, and developer tools — into one offline-first app. The key differentiator is security: while most desktop wallets hold or export private data, Ledger Live uses your Ledger device to sign transactions locally. This architectural separation (app vs. device) reduces attack surfaces and makes it feasible to hold larger balances safely.
Security first: how Ledger Live protects your keys
Security in Ledger Live is driven by three principles: hardware isolation, verified firmware, and user verification. Private keys are generated and stored inside the device’s secure element — a tamper-resistant chip that resists remote extraction. Firmware releases are cryptographically signed; Ledger Live verifies signatures to ensure authenticity. And every transaction displays human-readable details on the device’s screen, meaning you verify the recipient address and amount on hardware you control. Learn more about our security model on the Security page.
Onboarding and setup
Getting started is straightforward: download Ledger Live from the official Download page, connect your Ledger device, and initialize or restore a wallet. Ledger Live guides you through installing apps for different blockchains and adding accounts. If you’re restoring from a recovery phrase, follow the secure restore flow and never enter your seed into any website or app. See step-by-step instructions in our Support center.
Managing accounts, receiving and sending
Ledger Live makes account management intuitive. Add multiple accounts across chains, generate receiving addresses (which you must verify on device), and build transactions inside the app. When sending, Ledger Live constructs the unsigned transaction and transfers it to your hardware device — you then verify details and sign physically. This ensures that even if your desktop is compromised, attackers cannot approve transactions without the device and your PIN.
Staking: earn rewards without losing custody
Staking in Ledger Live connects you to audited validators for supported chains. You retain your private keys while delegating staking rights — this model maximizes security and keeps yields accessible. The app shows projected rewards, lock-up periods, and validator reputations. If you manage institutional funds, Ledger Live offers staking integrations that align with governance and compliance needs. Explore details on our Staking page.
Buying, swapping, and liquidity
Ledger Live integrates with trusted, non-custodial partners to let you buy or swap assets directly. The flows are designed to minimize data exposure and keep custody on your device. Each partner is vetted, and transaction previews are shown in the app and on-device. Check partner details and fees before transacting on the Apps and Buy pages.
NFTs and collectibles
View and manage NFTs supported by Ledger Live with the safety of hardware signing. Listing, sending, or transferring NFTs requires device confirmation so you verify metadata and destination addresses. Ledger Live's NFT viewers help prevent spoofed assets and display collection provenance when available.
Developer & enterprise capabilities
Ledger Live includes APIs and developer tooling for building integrations and automations while preserving hardware key guarantees. Enterprises can use Ledger’s solutions for multi-user workflows, multi-signature setups, and centralized management with retained security boundaries. Learn about advanced integrations on the Developers page.
Backup & recovery
Backup is straightforward but critical: write down your 24-word recovery phrase when initializing your Ledger device and store it offline in multiple secure locations. Ledger Live does not hold your recovery phrase. In case of device loss, you can recover funds on a new Ledger device using the same recovery phrase. For enterprise setups, consider multi-signature and split-secret strategies to distribute risk. See recommendations on the Recovery page.
Troubleshooting & support
If your device isn’t detected, try a different USB cable or port and ensure you’ve downloaded the latest Ledger Live installer. Ledger Live includes diagnostic tools and detailed release notes; consult the Release Notes and the Support center for step-by-step help. Important: Ledger Support will never ask for your recovery phrase or private keys.
Privacy & data handling
Ledger Live prioritizes minimal data collection. Account public addresses and metadata are needed to display your portfolio, but private keys remain local. You can review data practices and opt-in telemetry settings in the app; visit the Privacy page for full details.
Final checklist
- Download Ledger Live from the official site. (Download)
- Initialize your Ledger device and write down the recovery phrase offline. (Recovery)
- Verify firmware signatures before trusting the device. (Security)
- Test receiving and sending small amounts first.
- Use staking and other features from within Ledger Live to keep custody while earning rewards. (Staking)
Ledger Live Desktop® gives you a modern, powerful, and secure way to manage your crypto while ensuring the cryptographic safety of your private keys. Pair it with a Ledger hardware device to combine convenience with the strongest practical protections available today.