Ledger Live Desktop – Manage Crypto Safely on PC & Mac

A secure, polished desktop app for Windows and macOS that lets you manage your Ledger hardware wallet, view balances, send & receive crypto, stake assets, and access apps — all from one place.

Download Ledger Live Get the Quick Start Guide

Why Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live is designed for users who want the power and control of a desktop environment without sacrificing security. It works hand-in-hand with your Ledger hardware device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or future models) so private keys never leave the device. Use Ledger Live to check balances, manage apps, update firmware, and sign transactions locally.

Secure by design

Private keys remain on your hardware wallet. Ledger Live acts as a bridge — signing transactions only after you confirm them on the device itself.

Multi-account support

Add multiple wallets and accounts (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and 5,500+ tokens). See combined portfolio value at a glance.

Built-in apps

Install blockchain-specific apps directly through Ledger Live and keep them up to date without leaving the app.

Download & System Requirements

Ledger Live Desktop is available for Windows and macOS. System requirements are intentionally minimal — a modern OS, a USB port (or Bluetooth for supported devices), and 200 MB of free disk space.

  • Windows 10 or later (64-bit recommended)
  • macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or later
  • Ledger hardware device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.)

Install the app, connect your device, and follow the on-screen prompts to add accounts. If this is your first Ledger device, follow the device setup guide first to create a PIN and recovery phrase.

Quick start: connect, add account, manage

This short walkthrough shows the core flow you'll use every day in Ledger Live Desktop. Each step is deliberately simple but secure.

  1. Connect your Ledger device: Plug in via USB (or pair via Bluetooth for Ledger Nano X). Unlock the device with your PIN.
  2. Open Ledger Live Desktop: On first launch, allow any OS prompts (drivers, permissions) and choose a local install path if asked.
  3. Install apps on your device: Use the Manager inside Ledger Live to install blockchain apps (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum). These apps let the device interpret and sign transactions.
  4. Add accounts: Click "Add account", select a crypto asset and follow the steps to discover addresses associated with your device.
  5. Send & receive: To receive, use the Receive flow and verify the address on your device before sharing. To send, create the transaction in Ledger Live and confirm the details on the device before signing.

User interface tips

Ledger Live Desktop groups your portfolio, accounts, and app management into intuitive tabs. The left bar shows accounts and installed apps; the top area highlights portfolio metrics and recent activity.

Security & privacy

Security is the reason you use Ledger in the first place — Ledger Live Desktop is built to complement that security model without introducing risk.

How private keys are protected

Private keys never leave your Ledger hardware device. Ledger Live sends unsigned transactions to the device; you review and sign them on the screen of the device itself. This ensures that even if your desktop is compromised, keys remain isolated.

Recovery phrase (write it down!)

Your recovery phrase (24 words for most devices) is the single most important piece of information. Store it offline in a secure place — never type it into a computer, email, or cloud service. If your device is lost or stolen, you can restore funds using the recovery phrase on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet.

Firmware updates

Ledger periodically releases firmware updates to improve security and add support for new assets. Ledger Live Desktop will prompt you when an update is available. Always verify firmware update prompts and follow the device instructions carefully.

Features that power Ledger Live Desktop

Ledger Live is more than a simple wallet — it’s a full wallet manager. Here are the standout capabilities:

Third-party integrations

Ledger Live connects to partners for fiat on-ramps, swaps, and DeFi dashboards. These integrations are done through audited APIs and are optional — you remain in control at all times.

Common Tasks — Step-by-step

Adding a Bitcoin account

  1. Open Ledger Live > Accounts > Add account.
  2. Select Bitcoin and follow the prompts. Ledger Live will ask you to open the Bitcoin app on your Ledger device.
  3. Wait while Ledger Live discovers addresses and syncs balances. When finished, your Bitcoin account will appear in the Accounts list.

Sending crypto

  1. Choose the account then click Send.
  2. Enter the destination address and amount. Double-check addresses and amounts — crypto is final.
  3. Review fees and tap Continue. Confirm details on your Ledger device and approve the transaction with the device buttons.

FAQ

Is Ledger Live open-source?

Ledger makes key parts of its software stack available for review. Portions of Ledger Live and hardware firmware are published for transparency; check Ledger’s official repositories for details.

Can I use Ledger Live on multiple computers?

Yes. Ledger Live can be installed on multiple devices. Your Ledger hardware device and recovery phrase remain the single source of truth; the app stores local configuration but not your private keys.

What happens if I lose my Ledger device?

If you have your recovery phrase, you can restore your accounts on a new Ledger device or a compatible wallet. If you lose both the device and the recovery phrase, you will lose access to your assets.

Does Ledger Live store my transaction history?

Ledger Live stores local activity history for convenience. For privacy, it does not transmit private keys or store recovery phrases. You can always clear local data from the settings if you prefer to minimize traces.

Best practices & tips