Primary: Ledger™ Live Desktop*
Ledger™ Live Desktop* is the desktop application designed to manage your cryptocurrency portfolio securely with your Ledger hardware wallet. This page explains Ledger™ Live Desktop* in detail, walks you through the ledger live download options, helps you configure the ledger live wallet app, and explores advanced security and integration tips — all focused on delivering a clear, trustworthy guide for desktop users.
Ledger™ Live Desktop* aims to marry the hardened security of a hardware ledger device with a modern desktop application that is accessible for both newcomers and experienced users. This guide expands on installation paths, everyday workflows, troubleshooting, and integration patterns for both personal and developer-oriented setups. Whether your search intent is "ledger live download", "ledger live wallet pairing" or just learning ledger live features, this landing page aims to be a single, readable resource.
Ledger™ Live Desktop* — safe ledger live download & platform-specific setup
Obtaining the correct ledger live download is the first critical step. Use the official Ledger™ Live download page to fetch signed installers. Avoid third-party sites and search-engine ads that mimic Ledger pages. Ledger offers installers for Windows (signed .exe), macOS (.dmg), and various Linux bundles. For most desktop users the standard installer is sufficient; advanced users may prefer portable or package-managed options depending on OS.
After downloading, check the file signature where supported. On Windows, the signed publisher should read 'Ledger' or 'Ledger SAS'; macOS Gatekeeper will identify verified apps. Once installed, open Ledger™ Live Desktop* and follow the initial setup wizard to pair your hardware ledger device or to restore an existing ledger live wallet using the recovery phrase (only if you are restoring — do not ever share the phrase).
Official download & verification resources:
How to use Ledger™ Live Desktop* (ledger live wallet workflows)
The core ledger live wallet workflows revolve around a few repeated actions: adding accounts, installing coin apps on your device, creating or restoring accounts, preparing and verifying transactions, and monitoring portfolio performance. Ledger™ Live Desktop* exposes these functions through a clean UI with dedicated sections for Accounts, Portfolio, Manager (app installations), and Manager-integrated integrations.
When you create a payment or swap transaction using Ledger™ Live Desktop*, the unsigned transaction data is sent to the Ledger device for validation. The device displays the exact details: recipient address, amount, and fees. You must confirm these on-device — this is the core security model of the ledger live wallet ecosystem. The ledger live download and app updates are designed to keep the desktop app in sync with the latest hardware firmware and supported assets.
Common tasks and tips
Install coin apps from the Manager, always update firmware when recommended, and reconcile your account balances if you change networks. For staking, DeFi interactions, or advanced contract calls, verify transaction details carefully on the device screen — the ledger live wallet visual confirmation is mandatory for signing. If you need to move funds between accounts, use Ledger™ Live Desktop* portfolio tools to prepare transfers and maintain clear labels for account management.
Ledger™ Live Desktop* security posture and recommended practices
Ledger™ Live Desktop* does not expose private keys to the host. The ledger live wallet model ensures keys are stored in the secure element of the hardware device. However, no software system is infallible — user operations must be cautious. Below are practical security recommendations for using Ledger™ Live Desktop* safely on desktop environments.
First, always fetch the ledger live download from the official Ledger site and verify installer signatures when possible. Second, never reveal your 24-word recovery phrase to anyone, including any support representative — legitimate support will never ask for it. Third, use a secure and up-to-date operating system and periodically check for firmware updates via Ledger™ Live Desktop*; updates often include important security fixes.
For high-value operations consider using an isolated, dedicated desktop environment or a freshly installed OS. Avoid public or shared machines. For developers and integrators, review LedgerHQ's GitHub and official developer docs before connecting third-party services to Ledger™ Live Desktop* to reduce compatibility and security surprises.
Further reading and advisories
Advanced: integration, automation and power-user workflows
Power users who want to integrate Ledger™ Live Desktop* into advanced workflows should focus on safe automation patterns. Ledger Live's API surface and LedgerHQ open-source tools provide ways to compose transactions offline and then sign them on-device. For example, you can prepare transactions in developer tooling, transfer the prepared payload to Ledger™ Live Desktop* for final signing, and then broadcast through a trusted node.
Always test integrations in a non-production environment and validate addresses with multiple checks. The ledger live wallet model is ideal for non-custodial custody where you retain hardware possession and signing authority — this is the strongest protection pattern one can use for self-custody.
Related official resources for developers:
Final notes: choosing Ledger™ Live Desktop* for long-term security
Ledger™ Live Desktop* balances convenience and security by separating key storage (hardware) from user-facing tasks (desktop app). If you prioritize minimizing attack surface and retaining control over your assets, adopting the ledger live wallet pattern — hardware + Ledger™ Live Desktop* — remains a primary recommended model for long-term custody.
When searching for ledger live download or evaluating third-party tools, always prefer official and open-source projects with active audits. Keep a habit of checking Ledger’s blog and support pages for updates and advisories to ensure your desktop setup remains current and secure.