Ledger Live Desktop — Install, Features, Security

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application designed to work with Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a secure, local interface to install app updates on your device, add and manage accounts, monitor a multi-asset portfolio, perform sends and receives, and access optional services like staking or swaps. The combination of a hardware wallet and Ledger Live delivers a strong balance of usability and safety for everyday crypto management.

Install & first steps

Installation is straightforward. Download the official installer from Ledger’s site for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux). Run the installer, launch Ledger Live, and follow the guided onboarding. If you have a new Ledger device, initialize it on-device by selecting a PIN and writing down the recovery phrase. If reconnecting an existing device, simply unlock with your PIN and allow Ledger Live to detect it. Always verify downloads come from official sources.

Key features at a glance

Ledger Live consolidates many tasks in one place: account creation and management, portfolio overview with historical charts, sending and receiving with on-device address verification, firmware and application updates for your device, integrated staking for supported assets, and optional buy/swap services. The app supports dozens of blockchains and thousands of tokens, allowing you to view balances and transaction history securely.

Security best practices

Security is the primary focus. All critical actions require you to confirm on the physical device, so malware on your computer cannot silently approve transactions. Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated, store your 24-word recovery phrase offline in a safe location, and never enter that phrase into a computer or share it. When receiving funds, always verify the receive address displayed on your Ledger device matches the address shown in the app.

Additional recommendations

• Back up your recovery phrase in multiple secure locations (paper or metal backup).
• Enable OS-level security like full-disk encryption and keep software patched.
• Avoid third-party installers — use Ledger’s official download page only.

Ledger Live Desktop gives you a polished, secure environment to steward crypto assets. By pairing it with a Ledger hardware wallet and following the security practices above, you minimize risks while retaining convenient access to portfolio insights and crypto services.