What is Ledger Live Desktop®?
Ledger Live Desktop® is Ledger’s official desktop application that acts as the secure, local management interface for Ledger hardware wallets. With Ledger Live Desktop®, users can view portfolio balances across supported blockchains, add and manage accounts, install or remove blockchain apps on their Ledger device, update firmware, and prepare transactions which are then cryptographically signed on the hardware device itself.
Always download Ledger Live Desktop® from the official Ledger site (ledger.com/start) to avoid fake installers. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Key features of Ledger Live Desktop®
- Portfolio & account management: Track multiple accounts and view real-time portfolio value across thousands of assets.
- Device management: Install/uninstall blockchain apps on your Ledger device and apply firmware updates securely.
- Buy, swap & stake integrations: Connect to vetted partners to buy crypto, swap assets, or delegate/stake where supported.
- Transaction signing on-device: All private keys never leave the hardware wallet — Ledger Live constructs transactions but the device performs final signing for security.
- Release transparency: Ledger publishes releases and source components on GitHub for inspection and changelogs. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
How to download & install Ledger Live Desktop®
1) Visit the official start/download page at ledger.com/start, select “Desktop” and choose the correct installer for your OS (Windows 10/11 64-bit, macOS, or supported Linux). :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
2) Before running the installer, verify the digital checksum or signature Ledger publishes for the release. Ledger provides signed sha512 hashes and verification instructions to confirm the installer’s integrity. This step prevents running tampered binaries. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
3) Run the installer, open Ledger Live Desktop®, and follow on-screen steps to connect and unlock your Ledger device with your PIN. If firmware or app updates are required, Ledger Live will guide you through them.
If you prefer command-line or want to review code, Ledger maintains repositories and release notes on GitHub. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
System requirements & compatibility
Ledger Live Desktop® supports modern, actively maintained desktop operating systems. As of Ledger’s guidance, Windows users should run Windows 10 (64-bit) or later; macOS should be reasonably recent (macOS 10.15+ often recommended), and many popular 64-bit Linux distributions are supported. Older operating systems (e.g., Windows 7/8) are no longer supported. Always check Ledger’s official support pages for the most up-to-date compatibility list. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Security best practices when using Ledger Live Desktop®
Using Ledger Live Desktop® securely means combining software hygiene with hardware protections:
- Only download installers from ledger.com/start or official package pages. Do not trust search results that point to unknown mirrors. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Always verify installer checksums/signatures against Ledger’s published values before executing. This prevents tampered downloads. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Never enter or share your recovery phrase with any application or website — Ledger Live Desktop® and Ledger staff will never request your seed phrase.
- Keep your OS and Ledger Live Desktop® up to date. Ledger periodically issues security fixes and functional updates. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Be especially vigilant on macOS and Windows: threat actors have distributed fake Ledger apps that prompt users for seeds. If an interface asks for the seed phrase, treat it as a scam and disconnect immediately. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Troubleshooting & official support
Common issues (device not detected, update failures, connectivity problems) usually stem from cable/port issues, outdated firmware, or OS-level security blocks. Ledger’s support site has step-by-step troubleshooting guides and official contact channels. If you suspect a compromised binary or encounter a prompt for your seed, stop and consult Ledger support immediately. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
For power users and developers, Ledger’s GitHub repositories and release notes are the best place to inspect changes and track new features or fixes. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Final notes
Ledger Live Desktop® is a fundamental part of a hardware-backed security posture for crypto holders: it provides convenience (portfolio view, partner integrations) while ensuring true signing authority remains on the physical device. By following verification and download best practices, you greatly reduce the risk of running counterfeit software and keep your assets under your control.