Ledger Live Desktop represents the comprehensive desktop application for managing your Ledger® hardware wallet ecosystem. This sophisticated platform serves as the central command center for your cryptocurrency portfolio, providing advanced features beyond basic transaction management while maintaining the hardware-level security that defines the Ledger® experience.
Unlike web-based interfaces or mobile applications, Ledger Live Desktop offers full-featured cryptocurrency management with enhanced security protocols, offline transaction preparation, and comprehensive portfolio analytics. The application works in seamless harmony with your Ledger® hardware device, ensuring private keys remain isolated in the secure element while providing intuitive access to advanced financial operations.
Comprehensive portfolio tracking with real-time balance updates, interactive performance charts, and detailed asset allocation across 5,500+ supported cryptocurrencies and digital assets.
Send and receive cryptocurrencies with hardware-level security verification. All transactions require physical device confirmation through the Ledger Live Login process for maximum protection.
Participate in proof-of-stake networks directly through Ledger Live Desktop, earning rewards while maintaining full custody of your assets with your hardware device.
Swap cryptocurrencies through partner exchanges directly within the application, eliminating the need to transfer assets to external platforms and maintaining security throughout the process.
Full-featured desktop application with complete wallet management, advanced trading, staking operations, and comprehensive device configuration capabilities.
Mobile companion for portfolio monitoring and basic operations, synchronized with desktop data but requiring hardware connection for sensitive transactions.
Browser-based access through Ledger.com/start for initial device setup and firmware management with limited ongoing functionality.
Connect securely to decentralized applications and DeFi protocols through Ledger Live Desktop's Web3 capabilities, providing hardware-level security for your decentralized finance activities while maintaining easy access to the growing ecosystem of dApps and smart contracts.
View and manage your NFT collections directly within Ledger Live Desktop, with support for major NFT standards and marketplaces. Maintain hardware-level security for your digital collectibles while enjoying comprehensive portfolio management and visualization tools.
Create and manage multiple accounts for each cryptocurrency, organize assets by purpose (savings, trading, staking), and maintain separate transaction histories for different financial strategies and organizational frameworks.
Access sophisticated trading features including limit orders, price alerts, and market analysis tools directly within the secure environment of Ledger Live Desktop, eliminating the security risks of external trading platforms.
No, Ledger Live Desktop is specifically designed to work exclusively with Ledger® hardware devices. While you can download and explore the interface without a device, full functionality requires a connected Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, or other supported hardware wallet. The application relies on the hardware device for private key storage and transaction signing to maintain its security model. For software-only solutions, consider other desktop wallet options available in the market.
Ledger Live Desktop provides complete functionality including transaction signing, application management, staking operations, exchange features, and full portfolio analytics. The Ledger Live App for mobile focuses on portfolio monitoring, receive address generation, and basic account management. While convenient for on-the-go monitoring, most sensitive operations still require connection to your hardware device through the desktop application to maintain security standards and access advanced features.
Ledger Live Desktop offers enhanced security compared to web interfaces through several key advantages: offline transaction preparation, reduced browser dependency, automatic update verification, and better protection against phishing attacks. The desktop application operates independently of browser security models and includes built-in security features that web interfaces cannot provide. However, both maintain the core security principle that private keys never leave your hardware device.
Yes, you can install and run Ledger Live Desktop on multiple computers and use the same Ledger® hardware device with all installations. Your cryptocurrency assets and private keys remain secure on your hardware device, not in the application installation. Each computer will have its own local cache of transaction history and settings unless you use the encrypted backup feature. This flexibility allows you to manage your portfolio from different locations while maintaining consistent security.
Your funds remain completely secure and accessible since they're controlled by your Ledger® hardware device and recovery phrase, not the Ledger Live Desktop application itself. If you need to reinstall or switch computers, simply install the application on the new system, connect your hardware device, and your accounts will be accessible. If you've used the encrypted backup feature, your transaction history and settings can be restored, but your funds are always accessible through your hardware device regardless of the application status.
No, Ledger Live Desktop is completely free with no subscription fees or hidden costs for core functionality. All essential features including portfolio management, transaction signing, device configuration, and basic trading are available without charge. Ledger may offer premium services in the future, but the core desktop application functionality remains free for all hardware wallet users as part of Ledger's commitment to accessible cryptocurrency security.