Ledger Live Desktop® | Official Crypto Management App | Ledger®
Ledger Live Desktop (now often referred to as Ledger Wallet Desktop, formerly known as Ledger Live) is the official companion application developed by Ledger for securely managing your cryptocurrency portfolio. Designed exclusively to pair with Ledger hardware wallets like the Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, Ledger Stax, and others, this desktop app provides a powerful, user-friendly interface for handling thousands of cryptocurrencies and digital assets while keeping your private keys completely offline and secure.
At its core, Ledger Live Desktop emphasizes self-custody: your seed phrase and private keys are never exposed to the internet or stored on your computer. Instead, all sensitive operations—such as signing transactions—require physical confirmation on your connected Ledger hardware device. This hardware-software combination offers one of the highest levels of security in the crypto space, protecting against online hacks, phishing, and malware that plague software-only wallets.
Key Features and Capabilities
The app supports over 15,000 coins and tokens, including major ones like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), altcoins such as Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), Ripple (XRP), and many ERC-20 tokens, as well as NFTs. Users can easily add accounts for different blockchains by installing the corresponding apps directly onto their Ledger device via the "My Ledger" manager section in the app.
Portfolio management is intuitive: view real-time balances, track performance over time with charts, monitor asset distribution, and receive historical transaction details. The dashboard gives a comprehensive overview, helping you stay informed about your holdings without needing multiple third-party tools.
For altcoin enthusiasts, Ledger Live Desktop excels at managing diverse portfolios. Send and receive funds seamlessly, with addresses verified on-device to prevent address-poisoning attacks. The app integrates trusted partners for buying, selling, and swapping crypto directly within the interface—features powered by services like MoonPay, PayPal, or Paraswap—allowing you to acquire assets or exchange them without leaving the app.
One standout capability is DeFi access and dApp connectivity. Through WalletConnect integration (available on desktop), you can securely link Ledger Live to a wide range of decentralized applications. This enables interaction with DeFi protocols for lending, borrowing, yield farming, or trading on DEXs while your Ledger device signs transactions offline. This turns your setup into a true DeFi wallet, combining hardware security with blockchain interoperability.
Staking is another key feature for passive income. Supported assets include Ethereum, Solana, Tezos, Cosmos, and others—stake directly from the app, delegate to validators, and earn rewards, all while maintaining full control over your keys.
Security extends to seed phrase management: during initial setup, Ledger guides you to generate or recover your 24-word recovery phrase offline on the device itself. Never enter it into the app or any software—store it physically in a safe place. The app also supports firmware updates, app installations, and device checks to ensure everything remains up-to-date and authentic.
Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, the desktop version offers advantages over mobile for larger screens, better multitasking, and detailed analytics. It's free to download and use, with regular updates adding new coins, features, and security enhancements.
In summary, Ledger Live Desktop stands out as a comprehensive crypto management solution for users who prioritize security without sacrificing convenience. Whether you're a beginner securing your first Bitcoin or an advanced user diving into DeFi and altcoins, it provides the tools to store, manage, and grow your assets safely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Ledger Live Desktop the official app for Ledger hardware wallets?
Yes, Ledger Live Desktop (now part of Ledger Wallet) is the official software from Ledger for managing assets with devices like Nano X or Nano S Plus. Always download from the official site to avoid fakes.
2. How do I safely store my seed phrase with Ledger Live Desktop?
Your 24-word recovery phrase is generated and handled entirely on the Ledger hardware device during setup—never enter it into the app or computer. Write it down on the provided recovery sheet and store it offline in a secure location.
3. Can I connect to dApps and use DeFi with Ledger Live Desktop?
Yes, via WalletConnect integration, you can connect to thousands of dApps and DeFi protocols securely. Transactions are signed on your hardware device for maximum protection.
4. Does Ledger Live Desktop support altcoins and NFTs?
Absolutely—it supports over 15,000 coins/tokens, including popular altcoins, and allows viewing and managing NFTs securely through compatible accounts.
5. How do I download and install Ledger Live Desktop safely?
Visit the official Ledger website and download from there. Select your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux), install, and connect your device to begin setup.
6. Can I stake cryptocurrencies directly in Ledger Live Desktop?
Yes, stake supported assets like ETH, SOL, and more directly in the app to earn rewards while keeping full control of your funds.