Ledger Live Desktop – Official Ledger Application Overview

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application for managing Ledger hardware wallets. It provides secure account management, verified firmware updates, and a local dashboard for monitoring assets — while private keys remain isolated on your Ledger device.

Purpose and scope

Ledger Live Desktop acts as the trusted interface between your Ledger hardware wallet and the networks your assets reside on. The application enables you to add accounts, view balances, and construct transactions while ensuring that all signing operations occur inside the secure element of your device.

Installing Ledger Live

Install Ledger Live Desktop on Windows, macOS, or Linux. During initial installation the application verifies integrity before permitting device pairing. Always use the official application image provided through verified distribution channels and follow on-screen guidance during setup.

Connecting your Ledger hardware wallet

Connect your Ledger device via USB. Ledger Live will detect the device and perform firmware authenticity checks. The device screen provides on-device prompts that must be confirmed physically — this ensures you approve each operation directly on the hardware.

Dashboard and account management

The Ledger Live dashboard consolidates portfolio value, recent transactions, and account details into a single local view. Accounts correspond to addresses derived from the private keys stored inside your Ledger device; the app displays public information only.

Transaction flow and signing

When you prepare a transaction, Ledger Live constructs the unsigned payload and sends it to the hardware wallet for signing. The device displays transaction details — amount, recipient, and fees — and requires your explicit confirmation before signing. This physical confirmation prevents software-based manipulation.

Firmware updates and integrity

Ledger Live facilitates verified firmware updates. Firmware packages are cryptographically signed and validated by the device before installation. Only install updates presented by Ledger Live’s official update mechanism to ensure device integrity.

PIN and recovery phrase — core protections

Access to the Ledger device requires entering your PIN on the hardware itself. The PIN guards against unauthorized physical access. The recovery phrase, issued during initial setup, is the sole backup for your wallet and must be stored offline and privately; Ledger Live never requests or displays it.

Privacy and local data handling

Ledger Live stores portfolio metadata locally and retrieves blockchain data as needed. It does not have access to your private keys or recovery phrase. Maintain privacy by protecting the local machine and keeping the device disconnected when not in active use.

Security best practices

Install Ledger Live only from verified sources and keep it up to date.
Confirm every transaction on your Ledger device screen before approving.
Never enter your recovery phrase into a computer, phone, or webpage.
Keep your PIN confidential and store your recovery phrase offline in a secure location.
Avoid using public or untrusted computers to manage your wallet.

Troubleshooting basics

If your device is not recognized, reconnect directly to a primary USB port and restart Ledger Live. Avoid USB hubs and unverified adapters. Rebooting the computer and device often resolves transient connection issues without affecting on-device keys.

Note: Ledger support will never ask for your PIN or recovery phrase. Any request for these items is a scam; always handle recovery and confirmations on-device only.