Ledger Live: Desktop® — Secure Crypto Management Platform
The official desktop platform for managing all your crypto securely — track, swap, stake, buy, manage NFTs and keep your private keys offline with your Ledger hardware wallet.
Download Ledger Live Desktop Officially
What is Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop is the official crypto management application by Ledger designed to work exclusively with Ledger hardware wallets (such as Nano X, Nano S Plus, Stax). With Ledger Live Desktop, your private keys are always stored securely inside the hardware device’s secure element, never exposed to the internet. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
This desktop platform (Windows, macOS, Linux) lets you do far more than just send and receive crypto — you can track your entire portfolio, stake assets for rewards, swap between supported tokens, manage NFTs, buy via trusted partners, install coin apps on your device, and always confirm transactions on the hardware itself. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Key Features & Capabilities
- Multi‑Asset & Wide Token Support: Manage dozens to thousands of coins and tokens including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), XRP, and many ERC‑20/BEP‑20 tokens. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Real‑Time Portfolio Dashboard: See live updates on balances, market prices, changes, and performance history in one unified interface. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Buy, Swap & Sell: Integrated with trusted service providers (e.g., MoonPay, Ramp) so you can buy crypto with fiat, swap between tokens, or sell — all through the app. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Staking & Earning Rewards: Stake supported coins like Ethereum, Tezos, Polkadot, etc., to earn passive income. Rewards are tracked in the app. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- NFT Support & Web3 Access: View, receive, and send NFTs on supported chains. Use dApps safely via integrated browser features or discover tabs. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Device & App Manager: Install or remove coin‑apps on your Ledger device through the “Manager” section, update firmware, etc. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Security First Design: Private keys never leave your hardware device; all sensitive operations require physical confirmation. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Why Choose Ledger Live Desktop Over Other Wallets?
- Cold Storage Security: Your private keys are stored in a secure element (EAL5+ certified) inside the hardware wallet, not on your computer. Even if your computer is compromised, your crypto remains safe. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- Full Control: Non‑custodial setup — you own your assets, your recovery phrase, your PIN. Ledger never stores your seed. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- Unified Management: One app for all tasks — tracking, staking, swapping, buying, managing NFTs, and device firmware. No jump between tools. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
- Frequent Updates & Strong Ecosystem: Ledger regularly releases updates to Ledger Live Desktop, adds support for new coins/tokens, improves UI, and patches security. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
- Phishing Resistance & Best Practices Built In: Only approve transactions on device screen. Ledger never asks for seed phrase. Always verify domain and source. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
How to Get Started: Download & Setup
- Visit the Official Ledger Website: Go to Ledger.com/start or ledger.com/ledger-live to get original download links. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
- Select Your OS: Windows, macOS, Linux – choose the correct installer (.exe, .dmg, .AppImage) or platform version. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
- Install & Launch: Run the installer; follow the setup flow. Connect your Ledger hardware wallet via USB. Unlock it with PIN. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
- Create or Recover Account: If you are new, initialize a recovery phrase. If you already have one, restore using the 24‑word phrase. Store that phrase securely offline. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
- Add Crypto Apps & Accounts: Through Manager section, install coin‑apps you plan to use; then add accounts for them. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
- Explore Features: Stake, swap, buy, manage NFTs; monitor your portfolio; check transaction history. Always confirm operations on device screen. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
Security Best Practices
- Always download Ledger Live Desktop from official Ledger domains. Beware of fake apps. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
- Never share your recovery phrase or PIN. Ledger will not ask for them. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
- Verify each transaction’s details (recipient address, amount, fee) on your Ledger hardware device. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
- Keep your Ledger device firmware and Ledger Live Desktop app updated regularly. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
- Use a trusted computer; avoid public or compromised systems. Ensure USB ports and cables are secure. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
- Enable any additional security features offered (notifications, hardware checks, etc.). :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
Troubleshooting & Common Issues
- If Ledger Live Desktop does not detect your device: try changing USB cables or ports. Sometimes Windows Defender or firewall software may block it. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}
- If installation fails: check OS versions, storage permissions, or try running installer as administrator. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}
- If coin apps not loading: ensure you have installed the app via Manager on your Ledger device and have enough memory. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}
- If you see warnings about “unknown publisher” on Windows or prompts from Gatekeeper on macOS: double‑check download source. Only trust the official installer. :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}
Useful Links & Resources