💻 What is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application developed by Ledger to manage and interact with your cryptocurrency assets using a Ledger hardware wallet. It provides a secure, user-friendly interface for viewing, sending, receiving, and managing a wide range of crypto assets while keeping your private keys stored safely offline on your Ledger device.

Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, Ledger Live Desktop is designed to work with Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, and Ledger Stax. Unlike web wallets or exchange platforms, it combines hardware-level security with full user control, giving you a self-custodial crypto experience.

🔐 Why Use Ledger Live Desktop?

The core strength of Ledger Live Desktop lies in its focus on security and privacy. When you use the app, all critical operations (like signing transactions, installing apps, or verifying addresses) require physical confirmation on your connected Ledger hardware wallet. This ensures your private keys never leave the device, even when connected to the internet.

Ledger Live also helps you manage multiple assets from one place. With support for 5,000+ coins and tokens, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP, Solana (SOL), and many ERC-20 tokens, you don’t need multiple wallet applications. Everything is integrated into a single dashboard.

Beyond basic wallet functions, Ledger Live includes built-in features for:

  • Buying crypto directly from fiat
  • Swapping tokens between supported blockchains
  • Staking coins like ETH, DOT, and ATOM to earn rewards
  • Tracking portfolio performance in real time

All financial services are provided through trusted third-party integrations, but the assets are sent directly to your wallet—not held by the provider or Ledger.

⚙️ How to Use Ledger Live Desktop

1. Download and Install

Visit ledger.com/ledger-live and download the desktop version for your operating system. Install the app and open it.

2. Connect Your Ledger Device

Plug in your Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X using a USB cable. Unlock it using your PIN. Ledger Live will detect your device automatically.

3. Set Up or Restore Wallet

If you're a new user, you can set up a new wallet and generate a 24-word recovery phrase on your device. If you're restoring an existing wallet, enter your phrase directly on the device—not in the app.

4. Install Apps and Add Accounts

From the “Manager” tab in Ledger Live, install apps for the crypto you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Then, add accounts within the “Accounts” tab to view balances and manage funds.

5. Send and Receive Crypto

To receive crypto, click “Receive,” select your account, and confirm the address on your Ledger device. To send, click “Send,” enter the address and amount, and approve the transaction on the hardware wallet.

✅ Features of Ledger Live Desktop

  • Secure crypto management using Ledger hardware wallets
  • Supports thousands of coins and tokens
  • Portfolio tracking and real-time balance updates
  • Access to buy, sell, swap, and stake services
  • Private keys remain offline and fully controlled by you
  • Works without creating accounts or using passwords

Ledger Live Desktop brings simplicity and security to managing your digital assets—all from your personal computer.