Ledger Live Desktop
Desktop-first control for your self-custody
Ledger Live Desktop connects to your Ledger device so you can manage accounts, sign transactions, stake assets, swap tokens, and export records — while private keys remain isolated on the hardware.
Secure signing
Portfolio & reporting
Swap & stake
Security model — desktop, trusted hardware
Ledger Live Desktop is a host-side application that coordinates with your Ledger hardware (Secure Element + BOLOS). Signing and private key management never occur on the desktop: the app submits unsigned payloads and the device displays transaction details for you to verify and approve.
How signing works
Desktop responsibilities
- Fetch chain data and prices.
- Render transaction previews (but never replace device verification).
- Manage local caches and exports for user convenience.
Download & install
Always download Ledger Live Desktop from the official ledger.com domain. Choose the appropriate installer for your OS and verify signatures if you require maximal assurance.
Quick install (desktop)
- Visit the official download page and select your OS installer.
- Run the installer and follow prompts (macOS / Windows / Linux supported).
- Open Ledger Live and connect your Ledger device to finish setup.
- Grant network permission so the app can fetch blockchain and pricing data.
Common workflows
Add & organize accounts
Derive and add accounts for multiple blockchains. Label accounts for bookkeeping and separate funds for different purposes (savings vs spending).
Send & receive
When receiving, verify the on-device address. When sending, confirm the recipient and amount shown on the device before approving.
Staking & DeFi access
Ledger Live integrates with staking and select DeFi partners. Understand counterparty terms and fees before delegating or minting positions.
Swap and buy
Swaps are performed through third-party liquidity providers. Ledger Live facilitates the UX while the device signs final transactions.
Export & reports
Export transaction history and portfolio snapshots for accounting, tax tools, or audits. Keep exports offline if needed for privacy.
Advanced & power-user features
- Passphrase-protected wallets: Add an additional secret to derive hidden accounts — powerful but makes recovery more complex.
- Multi-accounts & derivation: Use different derivation paths for specialized workflows and multi-sig setups.
- Developer mode & raw transactions: Inspect raw payloads, export signed transactions, and debug integrations.
- Air-gapped signing: Use offline workflows if you require the highest level of operational security.
FAQ
- Can I use Ledger Live without a Ledger device?
- No. Ledger Live requires a Ledger hardware device for signing and private key operations.
- What if my device is lost?
- Restore from your recovery phrase on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet. If you used a passphrase, you must supply it to restore those hidden accounts.
- How often should I update?
- Keep Ledger Live and device firmware up to date to receive security fixes and new features. Review release notes before large updates.