Ledger Live Desktop is the official, platform-native application from Ledger that serves as the central control panel for Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a polished, user-friendly interface for viewing portfolio balances, managing accounts across many blockchains, installing blockchain-specific apps on your device, sending and receiving assets, staking, swapping, and interacting with decentralized services — while ensuring private keys remain safely stored and used only on the hardware device.
The Desktop client is available for Windows, macOS and Linux and is the recommended entry point for users who want a full-featured, dependable environment for advanced workflows such as firmware updates, PSBT signing, multisig coordination and detailed portfolio exports.
There are several reasons users prefer the Desktop app: richer feature set compared with some web or mobile flows, tighter integration for USB connectivity and firmware updates, support for advanced workflows, and a stable environment for larger or repeated transactions. Desktop is also ideal when you want to combine Ledger with other tooling for multisig or air-gapped signing.
Private keys never leave the secure element inside your Ledger device; all signing happens on-device after explicit confirmation.
Add and monitor accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and thousands of tokens with a single interface.
Integrated partners allow on-ramps and in-app swaps; staking is non-custodial and secured by your device.
PSBT support, multisig-compatible signing, and exportable transaction files make Desktop suitable for power users.
To get started, download Ledger Live Desktop from Ledger’s official website. Always verify the domain and use the official links—never install from unknown third-party sources. Choose the installer for your operating system (Windows .exe, macOS .dmg or signed package, or Linux AppImage / distribution packages) and run the installation.
Ledger Live Desktop’s security model relies on separation of duties: the host application handles user interaction and network communication; the hardware device is the root of trust and performs all cryptographic operations. This model ensures that even if your computer is compromised, an attacker cannot sign transactions without physical access to and confirmation on your Ledger device.
Receiving funds: select an account and click Receive. Always verify the receive address shown in Ledger Live matches the address on your device display before sharing it. Sending funds: create a Send transaction in the app, confirm amount and fees, and approve the transaction physically on your Ledger device. For staking, Ledger Live presents supported validators and helps you choose and delegate while keeping signing on-device to preserve custody.
PSBT (Partially Signed Bitcoin Transaction) workflows let you prepare transactions on an online machine, sign them on an offline signer, and then broadcast them from the online host. Ledger is a compatible signer for PSBT which enables air-gapped and multisig setups. Multisig configurations allow multiple independent keys to be required for spending—ideal for shared custody or institutional controls. Test any advanced flow carefully with small sums before scaling up.
Yes — Ledger Live Desktop is free to download and use. Network fees, swap fees, and third-party charges may apply when buying or swapping.
Yes — with your recovery phrase you can restore your wallet on a new Ledger device or compatible software that supports the same standards. Without the recovery phrase, funds cannot be recovered.
Desktop is best for firmware updates, advanced workflows and PSBT/multisig. Mobile is convenient for on-the-go portfolio tracking and Bluetooth-enabled devices like Nano X; many users use both.
Ledger Live Desktop combines a polished, attractive user interface with a hardware-rooted security architecture that keeps your private keys offline and under your control. By following straightforward best practices—official downloads, secure physical backups, on-device verification of addresses, and regular updates—you can safely manage crypto assets across multiple chains, participate in staking, use DeFi through trusted connectors, and adopt advanced custody strategies. Ledger Live Desktop is a versatile, dependable hub for individuals and organizations who prioritize both security and usability.