01 — 04
Portfolio & accounts
Review supported accounts and portfolio information in one consolidated interface. Displayed market values can change and are not guaranteed sale proceeds.
Know what values mean ↗ INDEPENDENT DESKTOP WALLET GUIDE UPDATED FOR 2026
Ledger Manage your crypto.
With clarity.
A considered guide to Ledger Live Desktop: what it does, how to get started, and the security habits that matter most.
✓Start with the source. Always verify downloads on Ledger’s official website.
L•••
PORTFOLIO BALANCE
$24,680.42
↗ Portfolio overviewIllustrative view
ACCOUNTVALUE
₿Bitcoin0.284 BTC$18,420
◆Ethereum1.94 ETH$6,260
✓ Your keys stay yours
A clearer view of your accounts.
THE ESSENTIALS, WITHOUT THE NOISE01 — 06 A PRACTICAL PRIMER
01 / THE BASICS
One desktop interface.
Your hardware wallet.
Ledger Live Desktop is the companion application for compatible Ledger hardware wallets. It brings supported account views, portfolio information, transaction history and available crypto services into one place.
Your hardware wallet helps keep the private keys used to authorize transactions protected within the device. Ledger Live provides the interface; transaction details can be reviewed and approved on the hardware wallet itself.
Explore Ledger Academy ↗01Your keys remain
on your device
on your device
02Review before
you approve
you approve
03Features vary by
asset and region
asset and region
02 / WHAT YOU CAN DO
Useful tools,
thoughtfully together.
Available features depend on your asset, device, operating system and region. Here’s a quick overview of common capabilities.
02 — 04
Send & receive
Access send and receive workflows for supported assets. Check the address, network, amount and fees carefully—confirmed transfers are generally irreversible.
Review safe practices ↗03 — 04
Connected services
Some assets and integrations offer services such as swaps or staking. Provider terms, eligibility, fees and risks differ across services and jurisdictions.
Check official details ↗04 — 04
Device approval
Review transaction details on your hardware wallet screen. Never approve an unfamiliar action because a prompt or website makes it seem urgent.
Make security a habit ↗03 / GETTING STARTED
Set up with
confidence.
Keep it simple: begin at the official source, confirm your installer, and follow the prompts from your application and device.
Go to official download ↗- 01↗
Visit the official website
Open ledger.com and navigate to Ledger Live download instructions.
- 02↗
Choose your operating system
Select the installer for your supported Windows, macOS or Linux environment.
- 03↗
Verify before installing
Avoid sponsored listings, unofficial mirrors, email attachments and downloads shared in messaging groups. Follow Ledger’s verification guidance.
- 04↗
Install and open the application
Run the downloaded installer and follow the prompts provided by your operating system.
- 05↗
Connect your hardware wallet
Use the appropriate connection method, then follow the instructions shown by the application and device.
- 06↗
Review setup guidance
Follow the official instructions for your situation. Keep your recovery phrase private and offline—never enter it into a website.
Need current system requirements? Visit the Ledger Live information page ↗ and confirm you are on an authentic Ledger domain.
04 / YOUR SECURITY CHECKLIST
Keep your keys
out of reach.
Anyone who obtains your recovery phrase may be able to access the associated accounts. Treat it as private, sensitive information—always.
Visit official Ledger Support ↗01Never share your recovery phrase or private keys.✓
02Never type your recovery phrase into a website or computer form.✓
03Download applications only through verified official channels.✓
04Check transaction addresses and details on your hardware wallet.✓
05Keep your computer, browser and security software updated.✓
06Ignore unsolicited messages asking you to validate or unlock a wallet.✓
07Contact support through the official website, not suspicious links.✓
!
If a download, update prompt or support request seems unusual, stop. Verify it through Ledger Support ↗ before continuing.
05 / GOOD TO KNOW
Questions,
answered.
Still figuring out whether the desktop app is right for you? Start here.
01What is Ledger Live Desktop used for?+
It is used to manage supported crypto accounts, review portfolio information and interact with compatible Ledger hardware wallets and available services.
02Where can I download Ledger Live Desktop safely?+
Begin at Ledger’s official website and follow the current download instructions. Avoid third-party installers and unofficial download links.
03Is Ledger Live Desktop free to download?+
The application is available without a software purchase. However, hardware wallets, network transaction fees and some integrated services may involve costs.
04Does Ledger Live Desktop work on Windows and Mac?+
Ledger provides desktop software for supported operating systems. Check the official download page for current operating-system compatibility and installation requirements.
05Do I need a Ledger hardware wallet to use it?+
A compatible hardware wallet is required for hardware-backed account management and transaction signing. Available features depend on the asset and service. Review official product documentation for your use case.
06What should I do if I am asked for my recovery phrase?+
Do not provide it. Never disclose your recovery phrase to a website, an unsolicited support agent or another person. Stop and verify instructions using official Ledger documentation.
A NOTE ON THIS GUIDE
This page is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Unless explicitly authorized, this website is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by Ledger. Ledger and Ledger Live are referenced solely to describe their products. Cryptocurrency transactions involve financial, technical and security risks, and digital asset values can fluctuate significantly. This content is not financial, investment, legal or tax advice. Always verify downloads, product details, fees and instructions through official sources before taking action.