Ledger Live Desktop — Getting Started | Official Ledger Wallet

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Ledger Live Desktop: Secure Crypto Management on Your Computer

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application for managing Ledger hardware wallets. Developed by Ledger, it provides a secure, user-friendly interface that allows users to manage cryptocurrencies while keeping private keys safely stored offline on their Ledger device.

Ledger Live Desktop is the recommended version for initial wallet setup, firmware updates, and long-term asset management.

What Is Ledger Live Desktop Used For?

Ledger Live Desktop acts as the control center for your Ledger wallet. With it, you can:

  • View balances and transaction history
  • Send and receive cryptocurrencies
  • Install and manage coin apps on your Ledger device
  • Update Ledger firmware securely
  • Buy, sell, swap, and stake supported assets
  • Manage multiple accounts and portfolios

All sensitive actions must be physically confirmed on the Ledger device.

How Ledger Live Desktop Works

Ledger Live Desktop does not store your private keys. Instead:

  • Private keys are generated and stored inside the Ledger hardware wallet
  • Ledger Live prepares transactions and displays data
  • Transactions are signed on the Ledger device
  • Only signed transactions are broadcast to the blockchain

Even if your computer is compromised, your crypto remains secure.

Supported Operating Systems

Ledger Live Desktop is available for:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux

It supports popular Ledger devices such as:

  • Ledger Nano S Plus
  • Ledger Nano X

Getting Started with Ledger Live Desktop

  1. Download Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger website
  2. Install and launch the application
  3. Connect your Ledger hardware wallet
  4. Set up a new wallet or restore an existing one
  5. Add accounts for your preferred cryptocurrencies

Once setup is complete, Ledger Live Desktop becomes your secure crypto dashboard.

Firmware Updates and Device Management

Ledger Live Desktop is the only recommended tool for:

  • Updating Ledger device firmware
  • Installing and removing coin apps
  • Managing storage on the device

All updates are authenticated and verified before installation.

While Ledger Live Mobile is convenient, Ledger Live Desktop offers:

  • Greater stability
  • Full feature access
  • Easier firmware updates
  • Better visibility for managing large portfolios

For security and reliability, Ledger recommends using the desktop version whenever possible.

Common Ledger Live Desktop Issues

Device not detected

  • Try another USB port or cable
  • Restart Ledger Live Desktop
  • Update USB drivers (Windows)

App won’t open

  • Install the latest version
  • Check OS compatibility

Balance not updating

  • Refresh accounts
  • Confirm the correct network is selected

Security Best Practices

  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase
  • Never enter your recovery phrase on a website
  • Only download Ledger Live Desktop from official sources
  • Keep firmware and app updated
  • Ignore emails claiming Ledger account issues

Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase.

Final Thoughts

Ledger Live Desktop combines convenience with hardware-level security, making it the safest way to manage crypto assets on a computer. It ensures full control, transparency, and protection—without relying on passwords or centralized accounts.

With Ledger Live Desktop, your keys stay offline, and your crypto stays yours.

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