Ledger Live Desktop — Secure, Offline‑First Crypto

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application designed to work hand in glove with your Ledger hardware wallet. It gives you a powerful, intuitive interface for managing, staking, swapping, and viewing your crypto — all while your private keys remain offline and secure. Whether you're a beginner or a crypto veteran, Ledger Live Desktop brings full control of your assets to your computer.

Key Features & Capabilities

Comprehensive Asset Support

Ledger Live Desktop supports thousands of cryptocurrencies and tokens — from Bitcoin and Ethereum to many ERC‑20 tokens, new blockchains, and DeFi assets. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} You can add accounts, view balances, and manage multiple addresses per blockchain.

Secure Transaction Signing

Any send, swap, stake, or firmware change must be confirmed on your Ledger hardware device. This ensures your private keys never leave the device, protecting you from malware, phishing, or attacks on your computer. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Real-Time Portfolio Dashboard

The dashboard gives a real-time snapshot of your holdings: total portfolio value, individual coin balances, price changes, historic performance charts, and transaction history. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} You can filter or sort your assets to focus on what matters to you.

Buy, Swap & Sell Within the App

Thanks to integrations with trusted providers (e.g. MoonPay, Changelly, Coinify), you can buy crypto with fiat, swap between assets, or sell — all from inside Ledger Live. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} The transaction still requires device confirmation, ensuring security even when dealing with third-party services.

Staking & Earning Rewards

For supported proof‑of‑stake (PoS) blockchains such as Tezos, Ethereum (via ETH2), Cosmos, and others, Ledger Live Desktop lets you delegate or stake your assets easily and monitor rewards over time. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} Everything still goes through your hardware wallet’s confirmation flow.

NFT & Web3 Support

Ledger Live Desktop includes support for viewing Ethereum and Polygon NFTs directly in the app. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} Additionally, Ledger Live works together with dApps and Web3 protocols, enabling you to connect your wallet to decentralized applications safely. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

App & Firmware Management

Ledger Live Desktop is also your control center for managing your Ledger device. You can install or remove coin‑specific “apps” on the device, update firmware, manage storage, and check device status — all within the app. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Why Use Ledger Live Desktop?

How to Get Started with Ledger Live Desktop

  1. Download the App: Go to the official Ledger website and download the desktop version for Windows, macOS, or Linux. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
  2. Install & Launch: Run the installer and open Ledger Live Desktop.
  3. Connect your Ledger Device: Use USB (or USB‑C) to plug your Ledger hardware wallet into the computer. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
  4. Set up or Restore: If new, create a wallet and back up your 24‑word recovery phrase. Alternatively, recover an existing wallet with your recovery phrase.
  5. Add Accounts & Apps: Use the “Manager” tab to install coin apps, then add accounts for each blockchain you wish to use. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
  6. Start Using: View your portfolio, send/receive crypto, stake, buy/sell, and manage your assets securely via the app. Everything requires on‑device confirmations. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

Note: The app may prompt you to update firmware or device apps. Always follow the prompts and verify them on your device screen.

Security Best Practices

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Device Not Detected

App Crashes or Lag

Transaction Fails or Stuck

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ledger Live Desktop free to use?

Yes — the app is free to download and use. You only pay standard blockchain fees or third-party service charges for swaps, purchases, or network transactions. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}

Can I use Ledger Live Desktop without a Ledger device?

No — the software is designed to work in tandem with a Ledger hardware wallet. Without the device, you won’t have access to your private keys or transaction signing. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}

How many assets are supported?

Ledger Live Desktop supports over 5,000+ coins and tokens, including popular chains and ERC‑20 assets. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

What happens if I lose my Ledger device?

You can recover access to your funds on a new device using your 24-word recovery phrase — your assets are stored on the blockchain, not in the app. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}

Why does Ledger Live Desktop request firmware updates?

Firmware updates are essential for security, bug fixes, and new feature support. You should always install updates, following the instructions carefully on the device screen. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}

Conclusion: The Desktop You Can Trust

Ledger Live Desktop is the ideal bridge between the power of a hardware wallet and the convenience of software. It offers a secure, all‑in‑one solution to manage your crypto — whether sending, staking, swapping, or viewing NFTs — without compromising on safety.

If you value control, transparency, and defense against remote threats, pairing Ledger Live Desktop with your Ledger hardware wallet is the gold standard. Download from the official site today, connect your device, and begin your secure crypto journey.