Ledger Live Desktop — Official Guide

Authoritative overview for downloading, verifying, using and securing Ledger Live Desktop as the official companion app for Ledger hardware wallets.

What is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application that serves as the secure companion to Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a unified interface to set up a Ledger device, manage multiple crypto accounts, view real-time balances, buy and sell through integrated partners, stake supported assets, and interact with some dApps via Ledger Live Apps. This application is maintained by Ledger and is the primary supported method to manage on-chain assets with a Ledger hardware wallet on desktop platforms. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Download and verify Ledger Live Desktop

Always download Ledger Live Desktop directly from Ledger’s official site (ledger.com/ledger-live). Ledger publishes cryptographic signatures and checksums for the installer so you can confirm authenticity before running the binary. Verifying the installer prevents supply-chain and fake-app attacks which have increasingly targeted desktop users. Follow Ledger’s published verification steps to compare the installer hash and PGP signature. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Desktop system requirements

Ledger Live Desktop supports Windows, macOS, and Linux desktop distributions. Minimum recommended resolution and OS compatibility details are available on Ledger support pages; notably, Ledger Live historically does not support ARM-based desktop CPUs in certain builds—confirm your platform against the published system requirements before installation. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Supported assets, integrations and core features

Ledger Live lists thousands of supported coins and tokens. The app allows you to install currency apps on your Ledger device, send and receive assets, buy/sell via integrated third-party on-ramps, swap tokens through providers, and stake certain assets directly in the client. Ledger Live can also connect your hardware wallet to compatible third-party wallets (for example MetaMask) to sign transactions with the device. Check Ledger’s supported assets page for the most up-to-date list. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Security guidance for Ledger Live Desktop

Protecting your recovery phrase is the single most important action: Ledger never asks for it and any request for your seed phrase is a scam. Use the official download, verify installer signatures before running, keep device firmware and Ledger Live up to date, and avoid entering seed phrases into any software. If you encounter prompts asking for the full recovery phrase during use, treat it as a compromise and contact Ledger support. Recent reports have highlighted fake desktop installers that prompt for seeds—verifying the binary is essential. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

  • Download from ledger.com only; verify signatures. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
  • Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated via official channels. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
  • Never disclose your recovery phrase; Ledger support will never ask for it. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Troubleshooting and official support

For installation issues, connectivity with your device, app crashes, or unexpected behavior, consult Ledger’s official support center which provides step-by-step articles, system requirement notes, and release notes for Ledger Live Desktop. If you suspect a security incident, disconnect the device from your computer and follow Ledger’s recovery and incident guidance. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}