Ledger Live Desktop — Official overview, install & best practices
A concise, website-ready explainer of Ledger Live Desktop: purpose, supported platforms, installation guidance, verification tips and practical security advice. Official links are included on relevant keywords.
What is Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application that lets you manage cryptocurrency accounts that are secured by a Ledger hardware wallet. It provides a single interface for adding accounts, viewing portfolio balances, sending and receiving assets, interacting with supported decentralized applications, and performing device firmware updates while keeping private keys offline on your Ledger device.
For general product information and to download the app, refer to the Ledger website's main hub. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Supported platforms & system requirements
Ledger Live Desktop is available for mainstream desktop platforms — Windows, macOS and many Linux distributions — and is designed to run locally on your machine while communicating only with your Ledger hardware wallet when operations require signing. Note that some environments (for example ARM-based desktop processors) may not be supported; check the official system requirements before installing. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
How to download and install (official source)
Always download Ledger Live only from official Ledger pages. The canonical "get started / download" pages provide the correct installers for each operating system and the most recent release notes. Use the Ledger landing and download pages when installing: Ledger — Get started and Ledger Live — Download. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
After downloading installers, Ledger publishes cryptographic signatures and checksums you can use to verify file integrity. Verifying the download reduces the risk of installing tampered software. See Ledger Live download signatures and verification guidance on the official Ledger site. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Core features & workflows
- Account management: add and track multiple coin accounts and tokens from one interface.
- Transaction signing: all transaction approvals and private-key operations happen on the Ledger device; Ledger Live acts as the management UI.
- Firmware updates: optional device firmware updates delivered through the app — always apply firmware only when prompted by the official app and after verifying release notes.
- Third-party integrations: Ledger Live integrates with selected partners for buying, swapping, staking and DeFi access without exposing your keys.
Security & best practices
Ledger devices provide an isolated environment for private keys. Ledger Live acts as a management and communication layer — it does not—and should not—have access to your recovery phrase. Ledger's official guidance is explicit: never share your recovery phrase, and only enter it in a device that you control during an offline recovery process. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Additional practical tips:
- Download Ledger Live only from ledger.com and official app stores (Play Store / App Store) when using mobile versions. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Verify installer checksums/signatures before running them. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase into any application or website; if asked, treat it as a scam.
- Use a dedicated, up-to-date OS profile for crypto operations and avoid installing untrusted third-party “helpers” that claim to extend Ledger Live functionality.
Security researchers and news outlets periodically report campaigns distributing fake or malicious Ledger-branded software, particularly targeting desktop users. Be vigilant for unsolicited download links, and prefer direct navigation to official pages. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Troubleshooting essentials
If the app cannot see your device: confirm your device is unlocked, try a different USB cable or port, ensure operating-system permissions are granted (macOS may need explicit approvals), and reinstall the latest Ledger Live build from the official site if necessary. The Ledger Support site provides step-by-step troubleshooting articles and platform-specific guidance. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}