Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application for managing your Ledger hardware wallet, giving you a single secure interface to view balances, send and receive crypto, add accounts, and keep your assets safe. Use Ledger Live to connect with your Ledger device and get the latest app updates while keeping private keys offline.
This landing page focuses on daily security routines, installer verification, and advanced flows for power users who rely on ledger live wallet features.
What Ledger Live Desktop provides — a quick tour
Ledger Live Desktop is the desktop companion to Ledger hardware devices. It provides a portfolio overview, account management, send & receive functionality, app and firmware management for your Ledger device, and a Discover tab that surfaces partner services. The desktop environment is ideal for extended sessions where you want a broad view of holdings, to export transactions for accounting, or to perform multi-step operations safely.
Users searching for ledger live download typically want a reliable, official installer; the canonical source for downloads and step-by-step instructions is the Ledger start page (linked in Resources). The desktop experience intentionally separates the management interface (Ledger Live) from the private key storage (your hardware device), protecting private keys even when your host computer is online.
Download & verify: reduce the risk of fake apps
The single most important step for safe use is to download Ledger Live Desktop only from Ledger’s site. Ledger publishes release signatures and checksums for some installers; when available, use these to verify the installer’s integrity. Verification helps prevent attackers from distributing tampered installers that can prompt for sensitive data or silently steal information.
Fake apps with convincing UI have been used in targeted campaigns — always check the domain, and be suspicious if any post-install UI asks for your recovery phrase. Ledger and major security outlets have warned about such campaigns; if an installer or app asks for seed words, treat it as malicious and stop immediately.
Installation checklist (short)
Onboarding and device connection
After installing Ledger Live Desktop, connect your Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth for supported devices) and unlock it using your PIN. Choose to initialize a new device or restore an existing recovery phrase on a new device only when you control that physical device and have created an offline backup of your recovery phrase. Ledger Live offers guided flows that ensure your device is properly paired and that required apps are installed to manage specific blockchains.
Adding an account in Ledger Live does not expose private keys; it simply instructs the device to provide public data so the desktop app can display balances and transaction history. Signing a transaction is always confirmed on the device screen and requires physical input.
Daily safety routines while using Ledger Live Desktop
Establish a habitual checklist before initiating transfers: confirm the recipient address on the device, double-check the amount, and, for unfamiliar destinations, perform a small test transfer first. Keep your OS and Ledger Live Desktop updated through official channels, and avoid using the app when your machine shows other suspicious behavior (unexpected popups, unknown background processes, or unusual network traffic).
Use a dedicated USB cable and avoid plugging your device into unknown computers. If you manage significant funds, consider segregating high-value holdings across multiple devices or accounts to minimize single-point risk.
Power user workflows — CSVs, exports, and labeling
Ledger Live Desktop includes features useful for users handling multiple accounts: clear labels for accounts, CSV export for transaction logs, and a portfolio tracker that consolidates balances. For tax or accounting workflows, export CSVs regularly and reconcile deposits and withdrawals. Use precise labels (e.g., 'Longterm-BTC-2024', 'Dex-Staking-ETH') to avoid confusion and to make audit trails legible.
When integrating Ledger Live with third-party portfolio trackers or tax tools, prefer read-only flows and avoid sharing secrets. Many integrations only require addresses or public read-only data. Vet third-party policies and ensure they do not request private keys or recovery information.
Troubleshooting common problems
If Ledger Live Desktop doesn't detect your device, first check your cable and port. Ensure your device screen is unlocked. On Windows, confirm required drivers are installed; on Linux, check udev rules and permissions. If synchronization stalls, try restarting the app and checking for updates. Ledger Support publishes troubleshooting steps that cover common errors and update recovery procedures.
Firmware & app updates — best practices
Keep device firmware current to benefit from security fixes and improvements. Ledger Live Desktop notifies you when an update is available and guides the firmware update flow. Always follow official instructions during updates; avoid third-party tutorials that recommend unverified tools. Before updating, ensure you have an up-to-date offline copy of your recovery phrase in case a recovery process is needed.
Handling suspicious prompts or phishing attempts
If a dialog or page asks for your recovery phrase, or prompts you to paste secret words into an interface, it is a scam. Close the app and verify the source of your installer. Use official support channels and Ledger’s blog to check for notices and known attack patterns.
When to prefer mobile vs. desktop Ledger Live
Ledger Live Mobile offers convenience for daily checks and Bluetooth-enabled transactions for supported devices. Desktop is preferable for heavy workflows: bulk exports, in-depth account management, firmware updates, and long writing sessions. Be aware of different threat models — mobile Bluetooth introduces distinct risks vs. a wired desktop connection. Choose the interface that matches your threat posture and operational needs.
Final recommendations
Ledger Live Desktop is the recommended, secure desktop tool for Ledger device users. Keep it updated, always download from official sources, verify installers when signatures are published, confirm transactions on-device, and follow basic operational hygiene. These practices drastically reduce your risk exposure while giving you a powerful interface to manage crypto assets with a Ledger hardware wallet.
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