Ledger Desktop — Ledger Live (Desktop)
Official desktop application to manage Ledger hardware wallets and your on-device private keys securely.
Overview — Ledger Desktop (Ledger Live)
Ledger Desktop — Ledger Live — is the official desktop application that pairs with Ledger hardware wallets to manage cryptocurrency accounts, install blockchain apps on the device, sign transactions offline, and view portfolio performance. Ledger Desktop does not transmit private keys to the internet; keys remain stored on the Ledger device secure element while Ledger Desktop provides a local management interface and transaction signing workflow.
Core capabilities of Ledger Desktop
Ledger Desktop supports account creation and management for dozens of blockchains, coordinated app installation on Ledger hardware, transaction preparation and verification, staking where supported, portfolio tracking, and integration with third-party wallets and decentralized apps (DApps) via safe connection flows.
Security and verification
Ledger Desktop emphasizes secure operations: install only official binaries from ledger.com, verify SHA-512 installer signatures when provided, and never disclose recovery phrases to any interface. Ledger Desktop enables transaction review on the physical device screen; the final signature is produced only after confirmation on the Ledger hardware.
System requirements and compatibility
Ledger Desktop runs on mainstream desktop operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux). Check Ledger’s system requirements for supported OS versions and screen resolution minimums. Note that there are known architecture restrictions for some builds — always consult the official download page for the correct installer for your platform.
Getting started with Ledger Desktop
To set up Ledger Desktop: download Ledger Live from the official site, install the application, connect your Ledger hardware wallet, open the Manager within Ledger Desktop to install blockchain apps on the device, and add accounts to view balances. Follow the on-screen guidance; never enter your recovery phrase into any desktop app.
Operational best practices
Maintain a dedicated, updated workstation for asset management, verify installer checksums, keep firmware and Ledger Desktop updated, and use hardware security measures (OS updates, reputable antivirus, and minimal installed software) to reduce exposure to supply-chain malware.
Troubleshooting & support
If Ledger Desktop fails to detect a device or shows errors, verify USB cable/port, unlock the Ledger device, confirm Ledger Live is up to date, and verify you have the correct OS installer. For persistent issues, consult Ledger’s official support resources and follow their recovery and diagnostics steps.
Developer & enterprise integration
Ledger Desktop supports integration patterns for enterprise and developer tooling: secure element signing via the device, standardized derivation paths, and compatibility layers for third-party wallet software. Consult Ledger’s developer documentation for API and integration guidance when building solutions that rely on Ledger hardware signing.
Conclusion — Ledger Desktop in practice
Ledger Desktop (Ledger Live) offers a focused desktop experience to manage hardware-protected private keys, minimize attack surface by keeping keys offline, and provide a single-pane interface for portfolio and transaction management. For secure asset custody on desktop, follow the official download and verification steps, keep software and firmware current, and treat any unexpected prompt for a recovery phrase as a critical security incident.
For downloads, verification files, and the latest advisories, always consult Ledger’s official website and support pages.