Official desktop companion • Windows & macOS • Hardware‑verified approvals
Download Ledger Live — Secure Hardware Wallet Management
Ledger Live is the desktop application that pairs with your Ledger hardware wallet to keep your private keys offline while you manage everything else online. Track your portfolio, add accounts, receive with confidence, send safely, and access swap and staking features—always confirming sensitive actions on your device’s screen.
What Is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is the control center for self‑custody with your Ledger device. The app organizes accounts, presents clear transaction previews, and coordinates on‑device approvals. Your private keys never leave the secure element inside your hardware wallet. If the details on your computer and device screen ever differ, you cancel—no funds move. This simple rule underpins the entire experience and gives you the confidence to operate safely every day.
Key idea: Software prepares; hardware authorizes. Ledger Live streamlines the former and your device guarantees the latter.
Who It’s For
- Individuals securing long‑term holdings with predictable routines.
- Active users who want fast, careful sending, swapping, and staking.
- Small teams and treasuries that need exportable records and clarity.
Ledger Live focuses on safety without sacrificing speed. The interface keeps jargon out of the way and puts confirmations front and center.
Why Download Ledger Live?
Unified Portfolio
View balances, allocation, and performance across supported assets in one place. Filter by account, network, or label and export CSVs for your records.
On‑Device Approvals
Every send, swap, stake, or settings change is approved physically on your Ledger device—neutralizing many remote attack paths.
Readable Signing
Supported networks show human‑readable prompts: destination, amount, network, and fees—so you can spot mistakes before they happen.
Swap & Stake (Where Available)
Compare quotes, routes, and fees up front. Delegate to validators, track rewards, and redelegate with the same device‑first safeguards.
NFTs & dApps
Connect where compatible with the same guardrails. Your seed phrase stays offline; you never type it into a website or app.
Privacy‑Respecting
Local control of your accounts, optional app lock, and minimal telemetry. Your keys, your device, your approvals.
Desktop Features at a Glance
- Accounts: Add Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many supported assets with correct derivation paths.
- Send & Receive: Verify full addresses on‑device; use the address book to avoid retyping.
- Swap & Bridge: Exchange or move across compatible networks with clear fee previews.
- Stake: Delegate, monitor rewards, and manage validator selections where supported.
- Labels & Notes: Keep history searchable and organized for audits and taxes.
- Exports: Generate CSV statements and periodic snapshots for recordkeeping.
Performance & Accessibility
Legible contrasts, predictable layouts, keyboard navigation, and smooth scrolling make large portfolios manageable—even on modest hardware.
The Download Package
The installer contains the desktop client and the secure connectivity layer required to communicate with your Ledger device via USB or, where applicable, Bluetooth. Installation does not expose your seed phrase, and private keys remain inside the device’s secure element at all times.
- Automatic update checks to surface new protections and assets.
- Optional app lock for shared machines.
- Granular settings for networks and developer tools (advanced).
Quick Setup After Download
1) Install
Run the installer for Windows or macOS. Launch Ledger Live and enable the optional app lock if you share your computer. Reboot after major updates for a clean session.
2) Connect Device
Plug in your Ledger device with a short, high‑quality cable (or pair via supported Bluetooth). Unlock with your PIN; never reveal your recovery phrase.
3) Add Accounts
Open the matching app on the device (e.g., Bitcoin or Ethereum), then add accounts in Ledger Live. This ensures correct networks and addresses.
4) First Receive
Use Receive to generate an address. Verify the entire address on your device screen and send a tiny test from another wallet before larger transfers.
5) First Send
Prefer address‑book entries for frequent recipients. Confirm destination, amount, and fees on the device screen. Cancel if anything looks unfamiliar.
6) Optional Hardening
Create separate accounts for long‑term holdings and daily spending, use labels consistently, and export CSVs monthly for your records.
Security Built In
Ledger Live is designed to make the safe path the default path. Sensitive operations are always gated by on‑device confirmation, and readable prompts reduce the chance of blind signing.
Everyday Practices
- Verify recipient and network on the device screen before approval.
- Keep Ledger Live and device firmware up to date.
- Store your recovery phrase offline; never on a phone or cloud note.
- Start with small probe transactions when using a new route.
Threats & Mitigations
Clipboard hijacking: Malware swaps addresses—counter by verifying on‑device. Phishing pages: Fake download/support links—counter by bookmarking official sources and avoiding ads. Blind signing: Unclear prompts—counter by cancelling and re‑initiating from a trusted flow. Premade seed cards: Never use printed seed words—only device‑generated phrases are valid.
System Requirements
- Recent Windows or macOS version with administrator permissions for installation.
- USB port and cable, or supported Bluetooth for eligible models.
- Reliable internet connection for syncing and updates.
- Sufficient disk space for the application and logs.
Tip: Close apps that may hook USB or Bluetooth during setup to avoid connection conflicts.
Good‑to‑Have Extras
- Metal backup for your 24‑word recovery phrase.
- Labeling conventions for accounts and counterparties.
- Periodic portfolio snapshots stored securely for audits and taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ledger Live free to download?
Yes. The desktop app is free to install and use. You only pay network fees and, where applicable, partner service fees for swaps, bridges, or purchases.
Can I view balances without my device connected?
Yes—after you’ve added accounts, you can view balances and history. To send, swap, or stake, reconnect your device to approve on‑device.
What happens if my device is lost or damaged?
Your crypto remains on‑chain. Restore on a new compatible device using your 24‑word recovery phrase. Never enter the phrase on a computer.
Does the download include mobile apps?
No. This page focuses on the desktop client for Windows and macOS. Mobile apps are available separately where supported.
Which assets and features are supported?
Availability varies by asset, partner, and region. Within Ledger Live, check the latest options for buy, sell, swap, bridge, NFTs, and staking.
Download Ledger Live for Windows & macOS
Install the official desktop app, connect your Ledger device, and manage your crypto with hardware‑verified confidence. Keep both firmware and the app up to date for the latest protections and features.
Always obtain installers from the official website. If you verify checksums, compare them to the published values before running installers.