Ledger Live Desktop | Download and Install the Ledger Wallet™ App

connection-suite

02 Dec 2025 — 4 min read

As cryptocurrency continues to gain traction, so does the demand for secure, reliable, and intuitive software to manage digital assets. Ledger Live Desktop is the premier desktop application crafted to give you complete control over your crypto portfolio while adhering to the highest security standards in the industry. When paired with a Ledger hardware wallet, Ledger Live Desktop offers a seamless, secure, and efficient crypto management experience — directly from your computer.

Whether you're just getting started in the world of crypto or you're an experienced user managing multiple accounts and Web3 platforms, Ledger Live Desktop provides all the tools, flexibility, and security you need.

What Is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the desktop version of Ledger’s official crypto management software. It’s compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, acting as the central hub for managing your Ledger hardware wallet.

Unlike typical software wallets that store private keys directly on your computer — leaving them vulnerable to malware — Ledger Live Desktop operates differently. It communicates with your Ledger device, enabling you to manage your crypto assets without ever exposing your private keys to the online world.

This hybrid approach blends the convenience of a desktop app with the unmatched security of hardware-based self-custody.

Why Ledger Live Desktop Is Unique

Ledger Live Desktop is designed to be more than just a simple wallet interface. It provides a complete ecosystem for managing digital assets, offering:

Advanced portfolio tracking tools
Multiple account management options
Crypto buying, selling, swapping, and staking
NFT management support
Secure access to Web3 apps
A unified, real-time analytics dashboard

All of this is available in a sleek desktop interface optimized for speed, security, and ease of use.

A Robust, All-In-One Dashboard

The Ledger Live Desktop interface is designed to offer instant insights into your crypto holdings. From the moment you launch the app, you’ll be greeted by a user-friendly dashboard, featuring:

Real-Time Portfolio Tracking
- View your portfolio’s total value and performance over time, as well as fluctuations across different currencies.
- Interactive charts help you track trends, gains, and losses, so you can make informed decisions.
Multi-Asset, Multi-Chain Support
- Ledger Live Desktop supports hundreds of cryptocurrencies, tokens, and blockchain networks.
- Whether you hold Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Polkadot, or thousands of ERC-20 tokens, the app simplifies management by consolidating them all in one place.
Intuitive Navigation and Smart Controls
- The sidebar organizes everything into easy-to-access sections:
  - Portfolio
  - Accounts
  - Discover (Web3 apps)
  - Send/Receive
  - Swap
  - Staking
  - Manager (for installing apps on your Ledger device)

The result is a highly functional yet approachable platform that empowers you to manage your crypto effortlessly.

Hardware-Level Security: The Core of Ledger Live Desktop

What sets Ledger Live Desktop apart from traditional wallets is its robust security framework.

Private Keys Stay Secure on Your Ledger Device
Your private keys are safely stored within the Secure Element chip of your Ledger hardware wallet and never leave the device, preventing them from exposure to malware.
PIN-Protected Access
Access your Ledger device by entering a PIN directly on the hardware wallet itself, ensuring no malicious software can intercept it.
Transaction Confirmation on the Device
Every transaction or Web3 interaction requires physical confirmation on the Ledger device, shielding you from:
- Phishing attacks
- Malicious smart contracts
- Fake browser pop-ups
- Altered transaction data
Zero Custodial Risk
Unlike centralized exchanges, Ledger does not hold or have access to your funds. Even if your computer or Ledger Live Desktop is compromised, your assets remain protected, as only you control your hardware wallet.

Key Features of Ledger Live Desktop

Buy Crypto Directly from the App
- Ledger Live Desktop integrates with trusted partners to allow you to purchase crypto via:
  - Credit/Debit cards
  - Bank transfers
  - Local payment methods
- Purchased crypto is sent directly to your self-custody wallet, not stored on an exchange.
Send and Receive Crypto Securely
- With just a few clicks, you can securely send or receive a wide variety of digital assets. Ledger Live Desktop verifies addresses through your Ledger device, reducing the risk of:
  - Copy-paste malware
  - Fake receiving addresses
  - Transaction manipulation
- Incoming crypto transactions are also confirmed, ensuring that your portfolio stays up-to-date.
Instant Crypto Swaps
- Swap crypto assets quickly through Ledger’s integrated partners.
- Key advantages include:
  - No need for centralized exchanges
  - Secure signing with your Ledger hardware wallet
  - Fast and efficient execution via trusted partners
- Swaps support multiple chains and a wide range of tokens, depending on your region and available providers.
Stake Crypto and Earn Rewards
- Ledger Live Desktop allows you to stake crypto across various networks, including:
  - Ethereum
  - Solana
  - Polkadot
  - Cosmos
  - Tezos
  - Algorand
- You can easily track rewards, claim them, and restake without losing control over your funds.
Manage NFTs Securely
- Ledger Live Desktop includes full support for NFTs across multiple blockchains.
- You can:
  - View, send, and receive NFTs
  - Access NFT marketplaces through Ledger-approved integrations
- All NFT transactions require confirmation on your hardware device, ensuring maximum security.
Connect to Web3 through the Ledger Extension
- The Ledger Extension integrates with Ledger Live Desktop to interact with:
  - DeFi platforms
  - Decentralized exchanges (DEXs)
  - Lending protocols
  - NFT marketplaces
  - Blockchain games
- Every Web3 interaction is safeguarded by your Ledger hardware wallet, removing the risks associated with browser-based wallets.
Manage Apps on Your Ledger Device
- The Manager section allows you to install, update, or remove apps on your Ledger wallet, ensuring that firmware and app updates are delivered securely and efficiently.

Ledger Live Desktop System Compatibility

Ledger Live Desktop is compatible with:

Windows 10 or later
macOS 12 or later
Various Linux distributions

It supports all modern Ledger devices:

Ledger Nano S Plus
Ledger Nano X
Ledger Stax

Logging into Ledger Live Desktop: Simple and Secure

Logging in is a breeze:

Open the app
Connect your Ledger hardware wallet
Enter your PIN on the device
Ledger Live authenticates the connection and loads your dashboard
- No emails, server-stored credentials, or passwords to worry about.

Your hardware wallet is your login.

Why Choose Ledger Live Desktop?

Ultimate Security
- Hardware-backed protection from cyber threats.
Convenience
- Everything you need to manage your crypto in one unified dashboard.
Full Control & Ownership
- You retain complete self-custody of your assets.
Transparency
- Open-source software and transparent communication.
Constant Updates
- Regular additions of new assets, integrations, and Web3 features.

Conclusion: The Future of Secure Crypto Management

Ledger Live Desktop is much more than just a wallet — it's a comprehensive, secure platform for managing digital assets. By combining hardware security with an intuitive software interface, Ledger provides users with the ultimate experience in crypto management.

From portfolio tracking to staking, NFT management to Web3 access, Ledger Live Desktop offers everything you need to navigate the world of digital assets safely and confidently.