Overview — What Ledger™ Live Desktop* is and how it fits into secure custody
Ledger™ Live Desktop* is the canonical desktop application provided for interacting with Ledger hardware wallets. While the phrase ledger live wallet is commonly used to describe the user-facing pairing of the hardware device and the desktop app, this page treats Ledger™ Live Desktop* as the desktop client that orchestrates account views, app manager functions, transaction creation and the on-device signing flow.
The ledger live download process provides signed binaries per platform; this is the recommended source for obtaining the desktop client. Ledger™ Live Desktop* centralizes account management for multiple blockchains while ensuring private keys are never exposed to the host computer. It supports hundreds of assets and integrates with on-ramp and swap partners where available.
Throughout this guide we will cover: how to find the right ledger live download, how to install and verify the installer, how to pair the ledger live wallet to your hardware, secure usage tips, and links to official release notes and community resources. The goal is to empower responsible desktop usage of Ledger™ Live Desktop* without compromising security best practices.
Ledger™ Live Desktop* — ledger live download: where to get the official installer
Obtain your ledger live download only from the official Ledger website. Ledger maintains platform-specific installers for Windows (signed .exe), macOS (.dmg or signed app bundle), and Linux (AppImage / Debian / RedHat packages). Before running any installer, verify the URL is correct (https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live) and check for the latest release notes on the Ledger Blog.
Verification steps:
— Check the digital signature or publisher name where applicable on your OS.
— Compare checksums if Ledger provides them in the release notes.
— Read the official Ledger support article on verifying downloads.
Performing these checks mitigates supply-chain risks and reduces the likelihood of installing tampered software. Ledger Support and the Ledger Blog provide authoritative guidance and security advisories; they are the primary resources you should consult before performing any critical updates.
Official Ledger Live download page — Ledger Support (verification & help)
Setup & configuration: pairing your ledger live wallet and initializing Ledger™ Live Desktop*
After a verified ledger live download and installer run, open Ledger™ Live Desktop* and follow the setup wizard. You have two main options during initialization: pair a new device (create a new wallet on the ledger device and store the recovery phrase offline), or restore an existing wallet from your mnemonic (only if you already possess a legitimate recovery phrase).
High-level steps:
— Open the Ledger™ Live Desktop* app and choose "Get Started".
— Select "Set up a new device" or "Restore from recovery phrase" as applicable.
— Follow on-screen instructions and confirm actions on the hardware device for security-critical steps.
— Use the Manager within Ledger™ Live Desktop* to install coin-specific apps on your device as needed.
When using the ledger live wallet pairing, always confirm that the on-device prompts match the actions you initiated in the desktop app. The device screen is the final arbiter of transaction content. For multi-account users, keep a clear naming convention in Ledger™ Live Desktop* to avoid confusion across multiple addresses and networks.
Everyday workflows
Common tasks within Ledger™ Live Desktop* include adding accounts, receiving and sending funds, reviewing transaction history, staking where supported, and using the portfolio view for performance tracking. The ledger live wallet interface is intentionally conservative: critical operations require explicit confirmation on the physical device.
Security best practices for Ledger™ Live Desktop* and your ledger live wallet
Security is the principal reason to use Ledger™ Live Desktop* with a Ledger hardware device. The ledger live wallet model ensures private keys never leave the hardware device, but good hygiene remains essential. Below are best practices tailored for desktop use.
Key best practices:
— Always download and verify the ledger live download from Ledger’s official site.
— Never share your 24-word recovery phrase; Ledger support will never ask for it.
— Keep your Ledger device firmware and Ledger™ Live Desktop* up to date using official update flows.
— Use a trusted, up-to-date OS and consider a dedicated machine for high-value holdings.
— Verify transaction details on-device before confirming any signature.
For corporations or teams, consider combining Ledger™ Live Desktop* with organizational policies and multi-sig arrangements for shared custody. Ledger and other vendors provide documentation on enterprise-grade custody options and recommended workflows.
Official security resources and advisories: Ledger Support • Ledger Blog • Community audits and coverage (CoinDesk, security researchers).
Advanced usage: integrations, developer notes, and institution-ready workflows
Developers and advanced users leverage LedgerHQ open-source tooling to prepare transactions offline, perform audits, and integrate third-party services. Ledger™ Live Desktop* can interoperate with certain third-party wallets and services that understand the hardware signing model. When integrating, prefer open-source tooling with active maintenance and community review.
Institutional users should consult Ledger’s developer resources and professional services for compliance, deployment, and integration best practices. Multi-sig strategies and dedicated signing hardware are common at larger scale; Ledger’s hardware + Ledger™ Live Desktop* can be part of these strategies as a signing and management interface.
Developer resources
LedgerHQ GitHub and Ledger Developer docs provide APIs, SDKs, and examples for integrating ledger live wallet patterns into workflows.
Community & audits
Look for independent security audits and community reviews before trusting third-party integrations with Ledger™ Live Desktop*.
Useful developer links: Ledger Developers • LedgerHQ GitHub
Get started: download Ledger™ Live Desktop* and pair your ledger live wallet
Ledger™ Live Desktop* offers a secure desktop entry point for hardware-backed custody. If your intent is to obtain the ledger live download or to pair your ledger live wallet to a hardware device, start at the official Ledger site, perform verification steps, and follow the on-screen pairing and firmware update advice. The ledger live wallet model — separating private keys (hardware) from the user-facing interface (desktop app) — remains a core best practice for secure self-custody.
For support, verification help, and the latest release notes visit Ledger’s official pages. Consult independent reporting from reputable outlets for broader context or third-party reviews.