Ledger Live Desktop®
Ledger Live Desktop — your secure, local control center for crypto
Ledger Live Desktop provides a powerful and secure interface to initialize Ledger devices, install device apps, add accounts, track portfolio performance, and sign transactions—all while ensuring private keys remain inside the secure element of your Ledger device. This guide covers everything: download, installation, connector/helper guidance, step-by-step setup, advanced options, troubleshooting, developer notes, and security best practices.
Hardware-backed signatures
All signing happens inside the secure element, and you must confirm transactions on the device's screen before they are signed.
Manager & firmware control
Ledger Live Desktop provides a Manager to install/ uninstall blockchain-specific apps and apply official firmware updates securely.
Portfolio & privacy
Track your balances and performance locally; Ledger Live respects privacy and never transmits private keys off your device.
Overview — what Ledger Live Desktop does and why it matters
Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application that interfaces with Ledger hardware wallets. It is designed to let you manage private-key-backed accounts safely without exposing keys to your computer. Ledger Live builds unsigned transactions, displays human-readable transaction details, and relies on the hardware device to sign. This separation between host (your computer) and signer (the hardware device) is the core security model that protects your funds even if your computer is compromised.
Key responsibilities
- Install/uninstall blockchain apps on your device via Manager.
- Perform official firmware updates in a guided, verified flow.
- Create or restore wallets and securely capture recovery phrases (on-device prompts).
- Prepare and broadcast transactions while requiring device confirmation to sign.
What Ledger Live Desktop does not do
- It does not store private keys outside the device's secure element.
- It never requests your recovery phrase — if prompted elsewhere, treat it as a scam.
- It does not auto-sign transactions; manual confirmation is always required.
Download & verify Ledger Live Desktop
Only download installers from the official domain listed on Ledger.com/start. Do not follow download links from unsolicited emails, social media messages, or search results you don't trust. If you are a power user, verify checksums or signatures where provided to ensure authenticity.
Steps to download safely
- Open your browser: Type
Ledger.com/startdirectly or use a bookmarked, official link. - Select your OS: Choose Windows, macOS, or Linux, and download the corresponding installer package.
- Verify (optional): If the site provides checksums or PGP signatures, compare them against your downloaded file. This step is recommended for advanced users.
Installer file types
- Windows:
.exeinstaller or signed MSIX packages. - macOS:
.dmgor signed App bundles requiring Gatekeeper approval. - Linux:
.AppImage,.deb, or distribution packages; follow provided distro instructions.
Install & initialize Ledger Live Desktop — step-by-step
Follow the steps below to install the app, initialize your Ledger device safely, and configure Ledger Live Desktop for day-to-day use. This flow emphasizes doing everything from official sources, protecting the recovery phrase, and verifying details on-device.
Desktop installation (concise)
- Run the installer: Execute the downloadable installer for your OS and follow the guided prompts.
- Allow permissions: macOS users may need to allow the app in System Preferences → Security & Privacy; Windows users may see UAC/SmartScreen warnings — choose to allow only if you downloaded from the official site.
- Install connector/helper if prompted: Certain OS/browser combos may ask for a small helper to enable USB or WebHID access — follow the official instructions. This helper facilitates a local connection and does not store keys.
Initialize or restore your device
Confirm tamper-evident seals and official packaging. If packaging looks tampered, do not proceed — contact support.
Use the supplied cable. Ledger Live Desktop will detect the device and present guided onboarding flows.
Set a PIN directly on the device. PINs protect the device from unauthorized physical use; choose a memorable but not easily guessable PIN.
Your device will display the recovery phrase (usually 24 words). Write them down on the supplied recovery sheet. Store offline and in a secure location. Do not take photos or make digital copies.
Ledger Live may ask you to confirm several words to verify recording. The device itself will guide these confirmations — never enter your seed into a computer or website.
Open Manager in Ledger Live Desktop and install the necessary blockchain apps. Then add accounts to manage coins and tokens. Each action requires confirming on the device.
Recommended first actions
- Install only the apps you need to conserve device storage.
- Perform a small test transaction to confirm address accuracy and signing flow.
- Keep Ledger Live Desktop up-to-date and enable official notifications for secure updates.
Connector / Helper (ADD PLUGING) — what it is and when you need it
Some OSs and browsers restrict direct access to USB devices. Ledger Live Desktop may prompt to install a small local helper (connector) to enable secure communication over USB, WebUSB, or WebHID. This helper is strictly a local communication facilitator — it does not store or transmit private keys or seed phrases to third parties.
Why the helper exists
The helper handles OS-level permissions, provides reliable cross-platform behavior, and ensures Ledger Live can perform firmware updates, Manager operations, and device detection consistently.
Security considerations
- Download the helper only from official Ledger links.
- Verify any digital signature or checksum if provided.
- Do not accept helper installs from unsolicited prompts or third-party sources.
Install & permission steps
- Download the helper during Ledger Live installation or from official downloads.
- Run the installer and accept OS prompts. On macOS authorize in System Preferences → Security & Privacy if Gatekeeper blocks the helper.
- Restart Ledger Live and your browser if you plan to use web integrations.
- Check connector status: Ledger Live → Settings → Help / Device → Connector status (UI may vary by version).
Troubleshooting connector issues
Try original cable and direct USB ports. Avoid hubs. Restart Ledger Live and the computer.
macOS: Security & Privacy; Windows: run as Administrator; Linux: ensure udev rules are present and reloaded.
If antivirus flags the helper, whitelist the official installer and re-enable protections afterwards. Never disable protections permanently.
Security checklist — protect your assets
Ledger Live Desktop and Ledger devices greatly reduce risk, but your practices determine overall security. Follow these essential do's and don'ts to maintain a secure posture.
Do
- Buy devices only from official Ledger channels or authorized resellers.
- Initialize your device in private and write the recovery phrase on the supplied sheet.
- Keep the recovery phrase offline and in physically secure locations (safe, deposit box, or geographically separated backups).
- Confirm receiving addresses on the physical device screen before sending funds.
- Verify firmware and Ledger Live updates only via official channels.
Don't
- Don't store your recovery phrase digitally (photos, cloud, notes apps).
- Don't enter your recovery phrase into websites, chat, or email — legitimate support never asks for it.
- Don't buy used hardware wallets — tampering risk is real.
- Don't share PINs or passphrases with anyone.
If your recovery phrase is exposed
If you believe your recovery phrase was seen or stored insecurely, transfer funds immediately to a new wallet generated by a fresh device and recovery phrase. Use a trusted machine and avoid entering recovery data anywhere online except on the device itself during legitimate restoration.
Physical and long-term considerations
Consider durable metal backup solutions for the recovery phrase (fire/water resistant). Keep backups geographically separated. Use passphrases only if you understand the responsibility — losing a passphrase means losing access to the associated hidden wallet.
Advanced options — passphrases, hidden wallets & multi-account workflows
Power users and institutions may require advanced workflows. Ledger Live Desktop supports optional passphrases (BIP39), multiple accounts per coin, and developer integrations. These features increase flexibility but also responsibility.
Passphrase & hidden wallets
A passphrase provides an additional secret combined with your recovery phrase to derive distinct wallets. Hidden wallets allow plausible deniability or segregated accounts. However, losing a passphrase is effectively like losing the wallet — funds become irretrievable. Record passphrases with the same rigor as recovery words and store securely offsite if needed.
Multi-account strategies
Create different accounts for savings, day-to-day spending, or different business units. Ledger Live Desktop displays multiple accounts and their histories. If device app space is limited, install only required apps and uninstall safely when not needed — uninstalling an app does not erase funds as long as you hold the recovery phrase.
Institutional & custody considerations
Institutions should adopt multi-signature schemes or custody solutions designed for business operations. Ledger Live Desktop is intended for individual or small-business use; larger setups may require specialized hardware, multi-sig, or third-party custody integrations. Consult professional security and compliance guidance for institutional deployments.
Troubleshooting & common issues
Most issues stem from connectivity, outdated software, or OS permissions. Try the straightforward steps below before contacting official support.
Try a different USB cable/port and avoid hubs. Restart Ledger Live Desktop and the machine. On macOS check Security & Privacy, on Windows try running the app as Administrator. On Linux ensure udev rules are installed and reloaded: sudo udevadm control --reload-rules && sudo udevadm trigger.
During a firmware update, do not unplug the device. If an update fails or the device seems unresponsive, follow official recovery steps on Ledger.com/support or contact official support channels. Have your recovery phrase safe before attempting advanced recovery.
Ensure Ledger Live Desktop and the device firmware are the latest versions. Reinstall the problem app using Manager. If the issue persists, collect logs from Help → Support and contact official support — never provide your recovery phrase.
Pending transactions usually indicate network congestion or low fees. Investigate options such as Replace-By-Fee (where supported) or consult the receiving network's guidance. Ledger Live Desktop reports transaction status but does not control network propagation beyond broadcasting signed transactions.
Collecting logs for support
If contacting official support, include Ledger Live Desktop version, OS version, a detailed sequence to reproduce the issue, and logs gathered from Help → Support. Do not share recovery phrases or private keys in support requests — official support will never ask for them.
Developer & integration notes
If you're building apps or integrations that support Ledger devices, follow official SDKs, transports (WebHID, WebUSB, Bluetooth) and UX patterns that prioritize user clarity and security. Present human-readable transaction data, avoid asking for private keys or seeds, and test thoroughly on testnets before interacting with mainnet assets.
Recommended transports & libraries
- WebHID / WebUSB for browser-based flows (where supported).
- Native USB integrations for desktop applications using official libraries.
- Bluetooth for compatible mobile devices (ensure pairing and bond management are secure).
Tip:
# Linux: reload udev rules after installing connector/helper
sudo udevadm control --reload-rules && sudo udevadm trigger
Security for integrators
Always show clear, human-friendly transaction summaries before submitting to the device for signing. Avoid obscuring addresses or amounts in the UI. Provide explicit guidance about never entering recovery phrases into online forms. Provide error handling and fallback flows for connector absence or permission errors.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Ledger Live Desktop required to use a Ledger device?
- Ledger Live Desktop is the recommended official companion for full functionality. Some third-party wallets support Ledger devices — use only reputable third-party apps and research integrations thoroughly.
- Will a firmware update erase my funds?
- No. Firmware updates do not erase private keys or funds. Your recovery phrase remains the source of truth. Still, always keep a secure backup of your recovery phrase before major operations.
- What if I forget my PIN?
- If you forget the PIN, you may reset the device to factory defaults and restore from the recovery phrase. Resetting erases the device until restored from the seed.
- Can Ledger Live Desktop be installed on multiple machines?
- Yes. Ledger Live Desktop can be installed on multiple computers. Your accounts are derived from the recovery phrase and will appear when you connect and authorize the device on any of those machines.
- How do I know the software I'm downloading is official?
- Always visit
Ledger.com/startor official, bookmarked links. Look for HTTPS, official domain and any published checksums/signatures. Avoid installers from unofficial mirrors or links sent in unsolicited messages.
Final checklist & official resources
Before moving significant funds, complete the checklist and consult official resources for tutorials and support articles.
Final checklist
- ✔️ Download Ledger Live Desktop from
Ledger.com/start. - ✔️ Verify installer checksums if you are a power user.
- ✔️ Initialize the device and write down the recovery phrase on the supplied sheet.
- ✔️ Install only required apps via Manager and add accounts.
- ✔️ Test with a small transaction before large transfers.
- ✔️ Keep Ledger Live Desktop and device firmware updated through official channels.
Official resources
Tutorials & accessibility
- Step-by-step videos for setup and recovery
- Accessibility options and keyboard navigation in Ledger Live Desktop
- Localized instructions for many languages
- Best practices for long-term seed storage