Overview
Ledger Live Desktop acts as the command center for Ledger hardware wallets (including Nano S Plus and Nano X). It is expressly designed to preserve the hardware-first security model: private keys are generated, stored, and used only on the Ledger device. Ledger Live prepares unsigned transactions, aggregates account data, and provides a user-friendly interface for tasks such as app installation, firmware updates, portfolio analytics and integrations with trusted service providers.
Because desktop environments provide greater access to system resources and stable hardware connections, Ledger Live Desktop is the recommended surface for firmware updates, large exports, developer integrations and high-value custody operations. The desktop app provides more granular controls and diagnostic tools compared to mobile, making it the preferred choice for power users, auditors, and institutional workflows.
Download & Install
Always download Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger website. Choose the correct installer for your operating system — Windows, macOS, or Linux — and verify the file integrity when checksums or signatures are available. Avoid third-party mirrors and pay close attention to the URL and certificate in your browser to guard against phishing.
- Visit the official download page and select your operating system.
- Download the installer and, if provided, verify the checksum or signature.
- Run the installer with administrative privileges if required and follow the system prompts.
- Launch Ledger Live and complete the onboarding flow — select language, telemetry preferences, and connect your Ledger device.
First-Time Setup
On initial launch Ledger Live will ask you to connect a Ledger device and choose a setup path: create a new device or restore an existing wallet from a recovery phrase. If creating a new wallet, the Ledger device will generate a recovery phrase (commonly 24 words) that you must record precisely and store offline. If restoring, enter recovery words only on the hardware device — never on your computer.
Set a secure PIN on the device to guard against physical access. Ledger Live’s Manager will then guide you in installing blockchain-specific apps on your device and adding corresponding accounts to the application for balance and transaction tracking.
Key Desktop Features
Accounts & Portfolio
Ledger Live aggregates data from all added accounts across supported blockchains, providing consolidated balance views, historical performance charts, and exportable transaction logs for tax or accounting purposes. Use account filters and exports to manage multiple wallets or entity-level reporting.
Manager: Apps & Firmware
The Manager is the core desktop utility for installing or removing blockchain apps on your Ledger device and for applying firmware updates. The Manager displays app sizes, available device storage, and validates update signatures before flashing devices — an important safety measure to ensure the authenticity of updates.
Transactions & Advanced Controls
Prepare and preview transactions in Ledger Live Desktop, where the interface supports custom fees, multi-output transactions and UTXO selection tools for Bitcoin. Crucially, the device displays human-readable transaction details which you must confirm before signing, protecting against host-based manipulation.
Integrated Services
Ledger Live Desktop integrates with vetted partners for buying, swapping and earning (staking) assets. These integrations are optional. While execution may involve third-party services, private keys and signing remain on-device, maintaining self-custody.
Security Model and Best Practices
Ledger Live Desktop is built around a zero-knowledge hardware model: the host application orchestrates operations but never exposes or stores private keys. To maximize security, follow these recommended practices:
- Record and protect your recovery phrase: Treat the recovery phrase as the master key — write it on durable material and store copies in separate secure locations. Never photograph or store it digitally.
- Verify on-device: Always confirm transaction addresses, amounts, and details on the physical device screen — the device’s display is the authoritative source.
- Keep software and firmware updated: Install updates only through official Ledger Live prompts and verify update fingerprints on-device during firmware upgrades.
- Use strong PINs and optional passphrases: The device PIN is your first defensive layer; an optional passphrase provides an additional secret-derived wallet for plausible deniability when used correctly.
- Harden your desktop: Use up-to-date anti-malware software, minimize unnecessary background applications during signing operations, and consider a dedicated machine for high-value transactions.