Ledger Live Desktop — Secure Crypto Portfolio & Wallet App
Ledger Live Desktop is the secure wallet app for your desktop — protect your crypto portfolio with hardware-backed security, portfolio insights, staking, swaps, and integrated exchange access. Designed for everyday use and advanced custody workflows.
Why Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop is built to protect your crypto portfolio while giving you powerful tools for management and growth. The desktop app pairs with Ledger hardware devices so private keys remain on the secure element. Ledger Live Desktop enables you to monitor balances, organize accounts, stake assets, swap tokens, and execute transactions safely — all while preserving the highest security guarantees.
Hardware-backed security
Private keys are generated and stored inside the Ledger hardware device. Ledger Live Desktop acts as a secure manager; transaction details are verified on the device screen and signed in the secure element. This design dramatically reduces exposure to malware and key-exfiltration risks.
Comprehensive portfolio view
See your full portfolio across thousands of coins and tokens. Ledger Live Desktop aggregates balances, historical performance, and account-level details so you can protect and manage your crypto with clarity.
Built-in staking & earnings
Stake supported assets directly from Ledger Live Desktop and keep earning rewards while your keys stay on-device. The app guides you through validator selection and the unstaking process to maintain safety and clarity.
Integrated swaps & exchanges
Buy, swap, and sell using integrated partners without exposing your private keys. Ledger Live Desktop negotiates trades with liquidity providers while your device retains signing authority.
Core capabilities that protect your crypto portfolio on desktop
Secure key custody: keys never leave the hardware device.
Device-attested firmware: Ledger Live Desktop coordinates secure firmware updates, verifying signatures and integrity.
Transaction verification: confirm addresses and amounts on the device screen before signing.
Encrypted backups: clear recovery flows to protect against loss of access.
Multi-account organization: separate funds by purpose to reduce operational risk.
These desktop-focused capabilities are specifically tuned to make Ledger Live Desktop the secure choice for protecting crypto assets while offering practical UX for everyday transactions and portfolio management.
Installation & system requirements
Ledger Live Desktop supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. Download the appropriate installer from official sources and verify the checksum if provided. The desktop app may require a bridge service for legacy USB handling — follow the installation guide for platform-specific steps.
Recommended: modern desktop OS versions, latest browser for web-based flows, and a USB-C or USB-A port depending on your Ledger device model.
Detailed security design — how Ledger Live Desktop protects keys
The security architecture of Ledger Live Desktop is centered around keeping private keys in the hardware device's secure element. Ledger Live Desktop requests operation details and presents them to the user in a readable format. The device displays the exact transaction data — destination, amount, fees — and requires explicit physical confirmation, ensuring that any malware on the host computer cannot silently approve transactions.
Host segmentation
Ledger Live Desktop separates presentation logic from signing logic. The app handles syncing and UI, while the device handles cryptographic operations. This segmentation reduces the risk that a compromised desktop app can access private keys.
Attestation & firmware checks
Ledger Live Desktop coordinates attestation checks and firmware signature verification. When a new firmware is available, users are prompted to update via secure mechanisms that ensure authenticity and integrity of the firmware image.
By default, Ledger Live Desktop minimizes data retention and uses encrypted local storage for non-sensitive metadata only. Sensitive secrets — such as private keys — remain in the hardware device at all times.
Managing a portfolio on desktop — practical tips
Ledger Live Desktop is not only secure — it's designed to help you manage your crypto portfolio effectively. Below are best-practice workflows and features that help you protect and grow your holdings while minimizing risk.
Account organization
Create distinct accounts for different goals: long-term storage, active trading, staking, and experimentation. Use Ledger Live Desktop's labeling and grouping to quickly view and protect high-value accounts.
Transaction hygiene
Always verify transaction details on the device screen. Use small test transactions when interacting with new addresses or smart contracts. Avoid re-using addresses for privacy and security when appropriate.
Backup & recovery
Follow the recommended recovery seed backup process at setup. Consider using physically durable backup media and geographically separated copies. For enterprise or high-value setups, implement Shamir or multisig strategies to distribute risk.
Staking and yield
When staking from Ledger Live Desktop, understand lockup and unstaking periods. Keep a portion of funds liquid for operational needs and verify validator reputations before delegating.
Advanced and enterprise usage
Ledger Live Desktop can be part of larger custody and operational workflows. For teams and institutions, Ledger offers hardware and software building blocks that can integrate with on-premise policies and role-based access.
Multisig and policy enforcement
Combine Ledger devices into multisig setups for shared custody and policy-driven transaction approval flows. This reduces single-point-of-failure risk and enables sound governance for larger portfolios.
Auditability
Ledger Live Desktop provides transaction history and exportable logs to support audits and compliance needs. Use account segmentation and clear labeling to make audits straightforward and reliable.
FAQ — quick answers for desktop users
Does Ledger Live Desktop store my private keys?
No. Ledger Live Desktop never stores private keys. Keys are generated and stored on the Ledger hardware device's secure element; the desktop app only communicates signed transactions.
How do I update Ledger Live Desktop?
Use the in-app update checker or download the latest installer from official channels. Verify checksums when available and follow the update prompts to maintain security.
Can I use Ledger Live Desktop offline?
Ledger Live Desktop requires network access for price data, swapping, and remote services. However, key operations and signing occur on-device and can be used in limited air-gapped workflows with advanced setup.
What should I do if I lose my device?
If you lose your Ledger device, use your recovery seed to restore access to your funds on a new device. If you suspect compromise, move assets when possible and contact official support for guidance.
Checklist — secure onboarding for Ledger Live Desktop
Buy your Ledger device from official or authorized channels to ensure authenticity.
Download Ledger Live Desktop from the official website and verify the installer when checksums are provided.
Create and physically record your recovery seed during setup; store backups in secure locations.
Set a strong device PIN and consider passphrase options for added compartmentalization.
Perform a small test transaction to validate signing and address verification on your Ledger device.
Keep Ledger Live Desktop and device firmware updated regularly for security patches.
Following this checklist will help you protect your crypto portfolio and ensure Ledger Live Desktop remains a reliable, secure interface for your keys and transactions.