Ledger Live Desktop is the secure wallet application that pairs with your Ledger hardware wallet to provide industry-grade protection for your cryptocurrency. Use Ledger Live Desktop to download Ledger Live, install the Ledger Live Desktop app, connect your hardware wallet safely, manage accounts, update firmware, and conduct secure transactions. Ledger Live Desktop keeps private keys offline on the hardware wallet while offering an intuitive interface for portfolio tracking, sending and receiving crypto, staking, and integrated third-party services.
Why Ledger Live Desktop matters
Security-first design: Ledger Live Desktop with a Ledger hardware wallet ensures your private keys never leave the device. The Ledger Live Desktop app is the secure interface for account management, transaction signing, and firmware updates. For anyone searching how to download Ledger Live safely or how to install Ledger Live Desktop, this guide covers the recommended steps and best practices for secure crypto management.
How to download Ledger Live and install Ledger Live Desktop
Follow these easy steps to download Ledger Live, install Ledger Live Desktop, and pair your Ledger hardware wallet. Always use the official Ledger website to download Ledger Live and verify signatures where available.
- Go to the official Ledger download page — Download Ledger Live for Desktop from the official site (choose Windows, macOS, or Linux).
- Download the installer — Save the Ledger Live Desktop installer; avoid third-party sources.
- Verify the file — Use checksums or digital signatures if provided to confirm authenticity.
- Run the installer — Install Ledger Live Desktop following on-screen prompts.
- Open Ledger Live Desktop — Launch and choose to set up a new device or restore from recovery.
- Connect your Ledger hardware wallet — Use USB (or Bluetooth for supported devices) and follow pairing instructions.
- Confirm on-device — Authorize the connection and any settings directly on the ledger device screen.
- Add accounts — Add accounts in Ledger Live Desktop for the coins you want to manage.
- Perform a test transaction — When sending new tokens, do a small test transaction and confirm the address on-device.
- Backup recovery phrase — Keep your 24-word recovery phrase offline and secure; never type it into a computer.
# Example Linux installer flow (replace URL with official Ledger link) wget https://example.ledger/ledger-live-desktop.AppImage chmod +x ledger-live-desktop.AppImage ./ledger-live-desktop.AppImage
Security best practices for Ledger Live Desktop
Use these recommended steps for the safest Ledger Live Desktop experience: never share your recovery phrase, verify domains and downloads, confirm every transaction on-device, store backup seeds offline (paper or steel), and update firmware & Ledger Live Desktop regularly. If you see unexpected prompts, disconnect the device and consult official support.
- Always verify addresses on-device — addresses shown in Ledger Live must match the device screen.
- Keep recovery phrase offline — never enter the seed into software or online forms.
- Use official sources — only download Ledger Live from ledger.com or official channels.
- Use small test transfers — test unfamiliar addresses with minimal amounts first.
Advanced Ledger Live Desktop features
Ledger Live Desktop supports staking, built-in swap partners, portfolio analytics, and secure third-party integrations while preserving device signing. Explore the Settings and Manager in Ledger Live Desktop to install coin apps, enable integrations, and customize notifications.