Overview: What is Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets (such as Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X). It provides a user-friendly interface to manage multiple cryptocurrency wallets, check balances, send and receive coins and tokens, and install or update apps on your Ledger device. While the hardware wallet stores your private keys offline, Ledger Live connects to the Ledger device and (optionally) to trusted network APIs to give you real-time balance data and transaction capabilities.
In this post you'll find:
- Why use Ledger Live with a hardware wallet
- Step-by-step download and installation instructions
- How to set up accounts, send/receive crypto, and install apps on the device
- Security best practices and troubleshooting tips
- Frequently Asked Questions and next steps
Download & Installation
Where to download
Always download Ledger Live from the official source to avoid phishing and malware. Use the official Ledger site (multiple colorful links are provided at the top of this page) and choose the version for your operating system — Windows, macOS, or Linux. The file you download will be digitally signed by Ledger for your safety.
Step-by-step installation (Windows)
- Go to the official Ledger Live download page and select "Windows".
- Download the .exe installer and run it.
- Windows will prompt for permission — accept to continue and follow the installer instructions.
- Once installed, open Ledger Live and allow it to update the firmware or any components required.
Step-by-step installation (macOS)
- Download the macOS .dmg from the official page.
- Open the downloaded .dmg and drag Ledger Live to your Applications folder.
- Launch Ledger Live from Applications and approve any macOS security dialogs if needed.
Step-by-step installation (Linux)
Ledger provides AppImage or .deb packages for many Linux distributions. If you use a distribution that supports AppImage, make the AppImage executable and run it. For .deb distributions, install via dpkg or your package manager.
Initial Setup & Pairing Your Ledger Device
What you need
- A Ledger hardware device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.)
- Your recovery phrase (do not share it online — treat it like cash)
- A computer with a compatible OS and a USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X)
Pairing process
When you open Ledger Live for the first time you'll be prompted to create a new wallet or restore an existing one. If you already have a Ledger device and recovery phrase, choose "Restore device" and enter the 24-word recovery phrase when prompted by the device itself (never enter it into the computer). Ledger Live will show on-screen instructions — follow them and confirm actions directly on your hardware wallet to complete pairing.
Creating accounts
After pairing, use Ledger Live's "Add account" feature to add supported cryptocurrencies. Each account corresponds to an address derived from your device's seed — Ledger Live queries the blockchain and displays balances without exposing your private keys.
Manage Accounts, Send & Receive Crypto
Receiving funds
Use the "Receive" button in Ledger Live to generate an address for a selected account. Always verify the address on your Ledger device's screen — this confirms the wallet derived the address correctly and prevents address substitution attacks.
Sending funds
When sending, Ledger Live constructs the transaction and sends it to the device for approval. The device shows the destination address, amount, and fees — confirm these on the hardware wallet before approving. This keeps your private keys offline while ensuring the transaction is legitimate.
Installing apps on your Ledger device
Ledger Live includes a Manager section where you can install coin-specific apps (for example, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). Only install the apps you need — each app takes device storage, and Ledger Live lets you easily remove/reinstall apps without losing access to your funds (your accounts are derived from your recovery phrase).
Staking, Swap & Integrations
Ledger Live supports staking for certain proof-of-stake coins and integrates with swap services to exchange assets. Check the Manager and Discover sections to learn about third-party integrations and which coins support these features.
Security Best Practices
Keep your recovery phrase offline
Never store your recovery phrase digitally (no photos, no cloud storage, no text files). Write it on paper or use an engraved metal backup and store it securely. Anyone with your recovery phrase can restore your wallet and steal your funds.
Verify downloads and check signatures
When possible, verify the digital signature or checksum provided by Ledger to confirm the download hasn't been tampered with. Always use the official download page linked above to avoid phishing sites.
Be cautious with third-party integrations
Ledger Live integrates with third-party services for swaps and tracking. Review permissions, and only connect services you trust. Use the official Ledger Live Manager to add applications rather than random installers.
Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated
Ledger regularly releases firmware improvements and security patches. Apply updates promptly using Ledger Live and follow on-screen instructions carefully. Updates often require confirming the action on your device.
Troubleshooting & Common Issues
Device not recognized
If your device isn't recognized, try a different USB cable/port, ensure you have the latest Ledger Live, and check OS-level permissions. On macOS, grant Ledger Live permission to access USB devices if prompted.
App Manager problems
If installing an app fails, try restarting Ledger Live and reconnecting the device. If the device reports low memory, remove unneeded apps and reinstall the ones you need.
Sync or balance issues
Sometimes third-party APIs used to fetch balances can lag. Try refreshing Ledger Live, and confirm your account addresses on the device. If balances persistently look wrong, consult Ledger's official support documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ledger Live free?
Yes — Ledger Live is free to download and use. Hardware devices are sold separately.
Can I recover my wallet on another device?
Yes. Using your recovery phrase you can restore your accounts on another Ledger device or compatible wallet that supports the same seed standard (BIP39/BIP44, depending on coin). Always verify the restoration instructions and use trusted devices.
What happens if I lose my Ledger device?
If you lose your device but still have your recovery phrase, you can restore access to your funds by restoring the seed on another Ledger device or compatible wallet. If you lost both the device and the recovery phrase, funds are irrecoverable.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Ledger Live Desktop is the official, secure, and user-friendly application for managing crypto with Ledger hardware wallets. Pair it with a hardware device, keep your recovery phrase safe, and always download Ledger Live from the official site linked at the top of this page. Whether you're new to crypto or managing a multi-coin portfolio, Ledger Live + Ledger device gives you a powerful security-first setup to control your assets.
Ready to get started? Click any of the colorful "Official Download" buttons at the top of this page to go to the official Ledger Live download page and pick the installer for your system.