What is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application developed by Ledger to interact with Ledger hardware wallets such as the Ledger Nano X and Ledger Nano S Plus. It offers a secure and intuitive interface for managing cryptocurrencies directly from your Windows, macOS, or Linux computer.

With Ledger Live Desktop, users can send and receive crypto, track portfolio performance, stake assets, and install apps on their hardware wallet—all while ensuring their private keys never leave the secure environment of their Ledger device.

Why Use Ledger Live on Desktop?

Using Ledger Live on your desktop gives you:

  • Advanced functionality and better processing power than mobile
  • A larger, more detailed interface to manage assets
  • Stronger integration with your hardware wallet via USB
  • Secure updates and firmware management

Ledger Live Desktop is perfect for users who prefer a comprehensive crypto dashboard on a secure computer.

Key Features of Ledger Live Desktop

🔐 1. Hardware Wallet Integration

Ledger Live works directly with Ledger Nano X and Nano S Plus. You must connect your device via USB, authenticate with your PIN, and approve every transaction on the physical device, ensuring ultimate security.

💼 2. Multi-Currency Portfolio Management

Manage 5,500+ crypto assets including:

  • Bitcoin (BTC)
  • Ethereum (ETH)
  • BNB, XRP, USDT, ADA, SOL
  • NFTs and ERC-20 tokens

View your asset allocation and transaction history in a clean, graphical dashboard.

📈 3. Real-Time Portfolio Tracking

Track your total portfolio balance and performance over time. Ledger Live Desktop provides:

  • Real-time market prices
  • Interactive portfolio graphs
  • Asset-by-asset value breakdown

💸 4. Buy, Swap, and Sell Crypto

Buy crypto with your debit/credit card or bank transfer through trusted partners within the Ledger Live Desktop interface. You can also swap between assets or sell crypto in supported regions.

💰 5. Staking & Earning Rewards

Earn passive income by staking popular tokens such as:

  • Ethereum (ETH)
  • Tezos (XTZ)
  • Polkadot (DOT)
  • Cosmos (ATOM)

Rewards are viewable and claimable directly in the Ledger Live Desktop app.

🛠️ 6. App Management and Firmware Updates

Install or uninstall coin-specific apps on your Ledger device and update firmware when new security features are released.

How to Download Ledger Live Desktop

📥 Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Go to the official page: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live
  2. Click “Download” and choose your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
  3. Follow the installation steps
  4. Open the app and connect your Ledger device via USB
  5. Set a password for extra security
⚠️ Note: Always download from the official Ledger website to avoid phishing or malicious software.

System Requirements

  • Windows 10+
  • macOS 10.14+
  • Linux Ubuntu 20.04+
  • At least 2 GB RAM
  • Internet connection for updates and market data

Ledger Live Desktop vs. Ledger Live Mobile

FeatureDesktop VersionMobile VersionHardware IntegrationUSB onlyBluetooth (Nano X only)Screen SizeFull-size displayCompact interfaceAdvanced FeaturesFull portfolio, stakingBasic portfolio & send/receiveIdeal ForTraders, investorsOn-the-go access


Security Tips for Ledger Live Desktop

  • Use a strong password to lock the Ledger Live app.
  • Only connect your hardware wallet to trusted computers.
  • Keep your 24-word recovery phrase offline and secure.
  • Update firmware and app versions regularly via the Ledger Live Manager.