Ledger Live Desktop — secure crypto management (desktop)

Ledger Live Desktop is the official companion application that coordinates with your Ledger hardware wallet to manage accounts, prepare and sign transactions, stake supported assets, swap tokens through integrated partners, and export transaction history — all while keeping private keys isolated on the device.

This guide explains the security model, installation steps, everyday workflows, advanced setups, and practical operational tips to help you use Ledger Live Desktop safely and effectively.

Security model — device-centric, host-aware

Ledger Live Desktop is a host-side application: it fetches blockchain data, shows balances and charts, and constructs unsigned transactions. The critical security boundary is your Ledger hardware device — a Secure Element running a dedicated OS that stores private keys and performs cryptographic signing. When you send funds, Ledger Live sends the unsigned transaction to the device; the device displays the transaction details for you to verify and approve. Only after you confirm on the device will it produce a signature. At no point do private keys leave the hardware.

Because the device is the authoritative display for amounts and addresses, always verify information on-device rather than relying solely on the host UI.

Install & verify (desktop)

Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger domain. Choose the correct installer for your OS. For maximal assurance, verify the installer checksum or authentic signature as published on the release notes page.

  1. Visit the official download page and select your OS.
  2. Run the installer and follow platform prompts.
  3. Open Ledger Live and allow network access so it can fetch updates, chain data, and price feeds.
  4. Connect your Ledger device when prompted to initialize or manage accounts.
Prefer the desktop build over browser-based connectors when possible for stronger privacy and a smaller attack surface.

Everyday workflows

Accounts & Portfolio

Add accounts for supported chains, label them for bookkeeping, and view consolidated portfolio performance.

Send & Receive

Generate receiving addresses and verify them on-device. For sending, always confirm amount and destination on the Ledger screen.

Staking & Rewards

Delegate tokens where supported to earn rewards through integrated staking partners; terms and fees vary per asset.

Swap

In-app swaps route through liquidity partners. Ledger Live facilitates the UX and signing; review fees and provider terms before confirming.

Export & Reporting

Export CSVs for tax tools and accounting. Ledger Live can generate transaction histories and performance snapshots.

Developer Tools

Power users can inspect raw transactions and use advanced derivation settings for compatibility and auditing.

Advanced setups & power-user tips

For stronger operational security or organizational needs, consider these advanced patterns:

  • Passphrase-protected wallets: Use an additional secret (passphrase) to derive hidden accounts. This provides plausible deniability but increases recovery complexity — store passphrases separately from your seed.
  • Air-gapped signing: Prepare unsigned transactions on an online machine, transfer them to an air-gapped host for signing, then import the signed transaction back for broadcasting. This reduces the exposure of signing operations to internet-connected environments.
  • Multi-signature: Split custody across multiple hardware devices to require multi-party approval for high-value transfers.

Test recovery and signing procedures regularly. Document who holds backups and how restore operations are performed under different scenarios.

Privacy & network considerations

Ledger Live fetches price and chain data to display balances and charts. If privacy is a concern, use Ledger Live on a network you control or a VPN, and prefer the desktop app. Ledger Live does not share private keys or seed material, but operational metadata (account addresses, IP) may be processed to provide services. Review the application's privacy settings and opt out where available.

FAQ & troubleshooting

Why does Ledger Live ask for a firmware update?
Firmware updates include security patches and new features. Only apply updates delivered through Ledger Live and verify on-device prompts. Read release notes if you're managing critical custody.
What if Ledger Live can’t detect my device?
Check cable and USB ports, ensure device is unlocked, allow required OS permissions, and update Ledger Live. Try a different cable or port if necessary.
Can I use Ledger Live across multiple computers?
Yes — Ledger Live stores account metadata locally. Each host is independent; your keys remain on the device. Exported backups and exports are host-side and should be managed securely.