Introduction
Ledger Live Desktop® is an all-in-one application designed to help users manage digital assets without sacrificing security. When used with a Ledger hardware wallet (such as the Ledger Nano series), the software provides an intuitive interface for sending, receiving, swapping, staking, and tracking tokens — while ensuring private keys never leave the device.
Features
Extensive Asset Coverage
Ledger Live supports thousands of cryptocurrencies, including major blockchains and a wide array of tokens. The built-in discovery system updates supported assets continuously so you can manage a diverse portfolio from a single application.
On-Device Transaction Signing
Every transaction prepared in Ledger Live must be verified physically on your Ledger device. This separation between the desktop UI and the key storage makes remote attacks ineffective even if your computer is compromised.
Buy, Swap & Sell
Integrated partners allow in-app purchases, swaps, and fiat conversions. Transactions flow through trusted liquidity providers while your private keys remain secured by the hardware wallet.
Staking & Rewards
Earn passive income by staking supported assets directly from Ledger Live. Delegation and compensation options are managed through the interface while keys remain offline.
Benefits
- Robust Security: Hardware-backed keys protect funds against malware and phishing attempts.
- Unified Management: View balances, history, and performance metrics for all supported assets in a single dashboard.
- Improved Privacy: Local processing and minimal data collection reduce exposure compared to cloud-based wallets.
- Professional Tools: Exportable reports, portfolio analytics, and multi-account management suit advanced users and accountants alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Is Ledger Live free?
- A: Yes — Ledger Live is free to download and use. Third-party services integrated within the app (for buying or swapping) may charge fees.
- Q: Do I need a Ledger hardware wallet to use Ledger Live?
- A: To manage and secure assets you must pair Ledger Live with a Ledger hardware device. The app without the device allows previewing features but not secure management of funds.
- Q: Will Ledger Live store my private keys?
- A: No — private keys are stored exclusively on your Ledger device. Ledger Live acts as an interface to interact with blockchains while keys remain offline.
- Q: Can I manage NFTs?
- A: Ledger Live supports viewing and managing NFTs for certain blockchains; support expands over time as the platform adds compatible integrations.
Security Tips
- Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and verify checksums where available.
- Never share your 24-word recovery phrase — Ledger staff will never ask for it.
- Keep your desktop OS and Ledger device firmware up to date to benefit from the latest protections.
Conclusion
Ledger Live Desktop® blends strong, hardware-backed security with a polished user experience. It is designed to reduce the complexity of crypto management while elevating safety: transactions are confirmed on-device, private keys never leave the hardware wallet, and portfolio tools help you make informed decisions. Whether you are securing a few tokens or managing a multi-asset portfolio, Ledger Live Desktop offers a reliable, privacy-minded hub for everyday crypto activities.