Overview
Ledger Live Desktop connects to your Ledger hardware device and provides a local, encrypted interface to manage accounts across hundreds of blockchains. The application focuses on security-first design: your private keys never leave the Ledger device, firmware integrity is verified locally, and transaction signing happens on the device itself. Ledger Live balances user-friendly workflows with advanced features for power users.
Key Benefits
Hardware-backed security
All private keys are isolated on the Ledger device. Ledger Live acts as a companion for viewing balances and constructing transactions — signing is confirmed on-device.
Multi-currency support
Supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and hundreds of other coins and tokens. Manage all your holdings in one place.
Portfolio & analytics
See market value, historical performance, asset allocation, and transaction history with clear visualizations.
Staking & DeFi tools
Delegate certain assets for staking rewards, access supported dApps, and manage DeFi positions directly through Ledger Live integrations.
Getting started
Download Ledger Live Desktop for macOS, Windows, or Linux from the official Ledger site. Install the companion apps, connect your Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth with supported models), and follow the guided setup to add accounts. During setup Ledger Live will help you install app firmware and create or restore accounts securely.
Security best practices
Always download Ledger Live from the official website and verify signatures where provided. Never share your recovery phrase or enter it into a computer. Keep firmware and the Ledger Live application up to date. Use a strong OS password and enable disk encryption if available on your system. When approving transactions, verify the destination address and amounts on the device screen — this is the final trust boundary.
Advanced features
Ledger Live offers advanced settings for power users: manual fee controls for some chains, transaction batching, diagnostics for device connectivity, and event logs for troubleshooting. For developers, the app provides experimental features such as network configuration and custom derivation paths — exercise caution and back up accounts before changing advanced options.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Ledger device to use Ledger Live? Yes — Ledger Live is a companion app that requires a Ledger hardware wallet for secure signing and key storage. The app can be used for read-only functions without a device but will not sign transactions.
Is Ledger Live open source? Many components used by Ledger are open-source, and the community can review several parts of the stack. Always consult the official project pages for the latest source repositories.