Ledger Live Desktop — Official Guide

A concise, official-style reference for installing, using and securing Ledger Live on Windows, macOS and Linux.

What is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application that integrates with Ledger hardware wallets to manage crypto assets, accounts, transactions and device firmware from a single secure interface. It lets users add accounts, inspect balances, send and receive coins and tokens, and access Ledger’s integrated ecosystem features such as buy/sell, swap, staking and Discover (dApp access). :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Key Features of Ledger Live Desktop

Ledger Live Desktop provides core functionality tailored for hardware-backed self-custody: multi-asset account management, transaction history and verification, integrated on-ramps/off-ramps, token swaps, and staking options where available. Ledger Live Desktop also supports NFT management and a Discover section that links to vetted dApps while keeping private keys offline on the Ledger device. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

System Requirements & Authenticity

Ledger Live Desktop runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. Ledger’s published guidance notes specific minimums and compatibility details; users should confirm system compatibility before installing. Important security guidance: always download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger site, verify download signatures when provided, and never enter your recovery phrase into any app or website. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Note: Ledger published security advisories and guidance including recommended verification steps after several reported fake app campaigns — follow official instructions closely when installing or updating Ledger Live Desktop. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

How to Download and Install Ledger Live Desktop

Follow these concise official steps to install Ledger Live Desktop and pair it with your Ledger hardware wallet:

  1. Visit the official Ledger Live page and choose the desktop installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS or Linux). :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
  2. Download the installer and, if available, verify the file signature/hash against Ledger’s published signatures. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
  3. Run the installer and open Ledger Live; follow on-screen onboarding to create or restore accounts and pair your Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth where supported by the device model).
  4. Install device apps (for supported chains) through Ledger Live Manager before adding accounts for those cryptocurrencies.
  5. Configure optional features such as Ledger Sync (to synchronise verified account views across devices) only after reviewing the privacy and security settings. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Security Best Practices for Ledger Live Desktop

Use Ledger Live Desktop together with a Ledger hardware wallet to keep private keys in a secure element on the device; the desktop app is a management UI and should never be treated as a key storage location. Always keep firmware and Ledger Live updated from official sources, verify download signatures, and never disclose your 24-word recovery phrase to any person or software. If prompted by any interface to enter your recovery phrase, treat this as a critical scam indicator. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Integration and Supported Networks

Ledger Live Desktop supports thousands of tokens across multiple blockchains (Bitcoin, Ethereum and many EVM-compatible and non-EVM chains). For some chains you must install the matching app on your Ledger device via Ledger Live Manager. Third-party integrations (buy/sell partners, swap providers and staking protocols) are surfaceable inside Ledger Live’s Discover and Services areas; review each partner’s terms and fees via the app. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Troubleshooting & Support

If Ledger Live Desktop does not detect your device, check cable/ports, ensure the device is unlocked and the correct Ledger app is open on the device, and verify you are running a supported OS version. Ledger’s support articles provide step-by-step guidance for connectivity and account sync issues. For persistent or unclear problems, use Ledger’s official support channels rather than third-party guides. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}