Ledger Live Desktop — Official Overview

What is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application that pairs with Ledger hardware wallets to provide a unified, local interface for managing cryptocurrency accounts, reviewing balances, and executing transactions. It is designed so that private keys remain secured on the Ledger device while the desktop app provides portfolio visibility and transaction orchestration. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Key features of Ledger Live Desktop

Ledger Live Desktop offers a secure account manager, native support for a wide range of coins and tokens, an integrated Manager to install apps on your Ledger device, and marketplace integrations for buying, swapping, staking, and tracking NFTs — all without exposing private keys. The app also provides transaction history, portfolio analytics, and optional sync capabilities across devices. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Supported platforms and system requirements

Ledger Live Desktop runs on mainstream desktop operating systems: Windows (64-bit), macOS, and major Linux distributions. Minimum display resolution and compatibility notes are published and should be reviewed prior to installation; Ledger lists a minimum resolution requirement and compatibility guidelines on its support site. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Download and install Ledger Live Desktop

Always download Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger website or the verified support pages. After downloading the installer for your OS, run the installer with standard user privileges and follow on-screen prompts to complete setup. After the application is installed, connect your Ledger hardware device via USB (or use the official Bluetooth pairing workflow if using a compatible device) and follow the step-by-step pairing instructions inside Ledger Live. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Initial configuration checklist

• Confirm you have the latest Ledger device firmware before linking it to Ledger Live.
• Install only the specific coin apps required on the Ledger device via the Ledger Live Manager.
• Create a device PIN on the Ledger device and keep your recovery phrase offline and private.
• Enable Ledger Live app password or operating-system level protection where available.

Security guidance and best practices

Ledger Live Desktop is intentionally designed to keep secret cryptographic material on the hardware device. Still, security relies on end-user practices: never disclose your 24-word recovery phrase, only download Ledger Live from ledger.com, verify installer checksums when available, and refuse any UI prompt that requests your recovery phrase. Ledger and security researchers have warned about counterfeit or malicious Ledger apps and installers; validate sources before installing. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Troubleshooting common Ledger Live Desktop issues

If Ledger Live does not detect your device, verify the USB connection, try an alternate cable, and ensure the device is unlocked and in the Ledger app. For network or sync errors, check for firewall or antivirus interference (some installers trigger false positives) and update Ledger Live to the latest release. If you suspect a corrupted installer or a security incident, remove the app, clear associated caches, and reinstall only from the official Ledger download page. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Advanced and developer notes

Ledger Live Desktop also exposes developer-facing features for advanced users: support for multiple accounts per currency, offline transaction construction via the device, and integrations with partner providers for on-ramp/off-ramp services. Enterprises or teams integrating Ledger into workflows should review Ledger's developer documentation and subject their integration to internal security reviews. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}