Ledger Live Desktop is the desktop version of Ledger’s cryptocurrency-management software, historically known as Ledger Live and increasingly presented by Ledger as Ledger Wallet. It works with compatible Ledger hardware wallets to provide a secure interface for managing supported digital assets.
The application can help users monitor portfolios, manage accounts, send and receive supported cryptocurrency, manage their Ledger device, and access selected crypto services.
Ledger Live Desktop is software designed for Windows, macOS, and Linux computers.
It works alongside a compatible Ledger hardware device. The application provides the interface for managing supported accounts, while the physical Ledger device provides hardware-based protection for private keys and transaction authorization.
Depending on the asset, device, and region, available features may include:
Portfolio monitoring
Account management
Sending and receiving cryptocurrency
Transaction history
Device management
Buying supported assets
Swapping cryptocurrency
Staking selected assets
Web3 services
Ledger has been transitioning the Ledger Live brand to Ledger Wallet.
Therefore, users searching for “Ledger Live Desktop” may encounter the Ledger Wallet name on current Ledger resources. The application remains the primary software interface for interacting with compatible Ledger hardware wallets.
Ledger provides desktop software for supported:
Windows
macOS
Linux
The safest way to obtain the application is through Ledger’s official website.
Avoid downloading wallet software from unofficial websites, file-sharing services, advertisements, or links received from unknown people.
A typical installation process is:
Visit Ledger's official website.
Open the official Ledger Wallet or Ledger Live download page.
Select your operating system.
Download the appropriate installer.
Install the application.
Open the application after installation.
Connect your compatible Ledger hardware wallet.
Unlock the device using its PIN.
Follow the setup instructions.
Add or manage supported cryptocurrency accounts.
The exact steps can vary depending on your operating system and Ledger device.
Once your hardware wallet is connected, Ledger Live Desktop can communicate with the device to manage supported accounts.
For a transaction, the software may prepare the transaction details while the physical Ledger device is used to review and approve the transaction.
Before confirming a transaction, check the details displayed on the hardware wallet rather than relying only on your computer screen.
Ledger Live Desktop can provide an overview of supported cryptocurrency accounts and portfolio information.
Users can review balances, account activity, and transaction history from the application.
Supported assets can be sent and received through compatible accounts.
Before sending funds, carefully verify the recipient address, amount, network, and applicable transaction fees.
The application can provide tools for managing supported Ledger devices and installing compatible blockchain applications.
Depending on the supported cryptocurrency, region, and available providers, Ledger's ecosystem can offer services for buying, swapping, or staking digital assets.
Always review fees, providers, transaction details, and applicable terms before completing these activities.
Protecting your computer and hardware wallet is essential.
For safer use:
Download Ledger software only from official sources.
Verify the website address carefully.
Keep Ledger software updated.
Keep your hardware device firmware updated.
Protect your Ledger PIN.
Never share your Secret Recovery Phrase.
Never enter recovery words into a website.
Verify transaction information on your physical Ledger device.
Do not approve unexpected transactions.
Be cautious of unsolicited Ledger support messages.
Your Secret Recovery Phrase is private and should remain under your control.
Never share it with anyone.
Do not enter it into:
Websites
Emails
Online forms
Chat messages
Remote-support tools
Unofficial applications
A legitimate Ledger software update or support process should not require you to disclose your Secret Recovery Phrase.
Scammers may create websites that imitate Ledger's branding and offer fake desktop installers.
Before downloading software:
Verify the domain.
Use Ledger's official download resources.
Avoid unfamiliar download portals.
Do not install software sent by unsolicited contacts.
Be suspicious of programs described as “Ledger repair,” “wallet activation,” or “account verification” tools.
If the application does not recognize your Ledger device:
Check the physical connection.
Use a compatible data-capable cable.
Try another USB port.
Make sure your Ledger device is unlocked.
Restart the application.
Check for available updates.
Follow Ledger's official troubleshooting instructions.
Do not use unofficial software to repair or synchronize your wallet.
Ledger Live Desktop is Ledger's computer-based cryptocurrency-management application, now increasingly branded as Ledger Wallet.
Yes. Ledger provides supported desktop software for Windows, as well as macOS and Linux.
The wallet-management application is provided by Ledger for compatible devices. Certain integrated crypto services may involve fees from Ledger or third-party providers.
Ledger Live Desktop is designed to work with Ledger hardware wallets for hardware-backed self-custody and transaction signing.
Cryptocurrency remains recorded on its respective blockchain. The Ledger hardware device protects the private keys associated with supported wallet accounts.
No. Never provide your Secret Recovery Phrase to the application, a website, support agent, or another person.
Ledger Live Desktop provides a computer-based interface for managing supported cryptocurrency assets with a Ledger hardware wallet. Although Ledger is transitioning the product toward the Ledger Wallet name, Ledger Live remains a widely used term for the software.
For secure use, download the application from an official Ledger source, keep your software and device updated, protect your PIN and Secret Recovery Phrase, and verify important transactions directly on your Ledger hardware device.