Overview — Ledger Live Desktop
Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It serves as the secure interface to manage accounts, install device apps, send and receive assets, and access Ledger partner services such as swaps, buys, and staking providers. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Quick facts
- Official vendor: Ledger SAS (ledger.com).
- Purpose: manage cryptocurrency assets while keeping private keys isolated on Ledger devices.
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux (official installers available on ledger.com/download). :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
System requirements & installation
Ledger Live Desktop supports modern desktop operating systems. Minimum supported versions and recommended hardware are documented on Ledger’s support pages; desktop installers and checksums are published on the official download page. Before installing, confirm your OS version (Windows 10 64-bit or later, macOS 10.15+ or later, Ubuntu 20.04+ recommended) and ensure you download the installer from ledger.com. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Installation checklist
- Download the appropriate installer from the official Ledger Live download page.
- Verify the installer signature or checksum when available.
- Install and follow the onboarding flow; pair your Ledger hardware device when prompted.
Core features of Ledger Live Desktop
Ledger Live Desktop provides a consolidated set of tools for day-to-day wallet management: portfolio overview, transaction history and signing, app management for Ledger devices, buy/sell/swap integrations with vetted providers, and staking interfaces for supported assets. Use Ledger Live Desktop to centralize activity while keys remain on the hardware device. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Notable capabilities
- Multi-asset portfolio tracking across thousands of tokens.
- Direct integration with buy/swap/earn partners (availability varies by jurisdiction).
- On-device transaction confirmation — private keys never leave the hardware wallet.
Security, verification, and known risks
Ledger Live Desktop is designed to work with Ledger hardware so private keys remain offline. Official guidance requires users to download Ledger Live only from ledger.com and to never disclose their recovery phrase. Recent threat reports highlight malicious clones and fake installers used to phish seed phrases; always verify the source and never enter your recovery phrase into any app or website. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Supported assets and integrations
Ledger maintains a comprehensive list of supported coins and tokens; Ledger Live Desktop also exposes partner integrations for on-ramp/off-ramp, swaps, and staking for select assets. Compatibility with third-party wallets (e.g., MetaMask) exists for specific flows but depends on the target chain and third-party support. Consult the official supported-assets page for the latest coverage. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Updates, release notes, and troubleshooting
Ledger Live Desktop receives regular updates; release notes and changelogs are published on Ledger’s support pages and the Ledger GitHub repository for developers. If an update causes abnormal behavior, consult Ledger support and community channels first, and avoid using unverified builds. Always back up device recovery phrases securely before major upgrades. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Read release notes