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What is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is a secure desktop application developed by Ledger, designed to interact with your Ledger hardware wallet. It acts as your personal crypto dashboard, letting you send, receive, buy, sell, stake, and manage over 5,000 digital assets—all in one place.

Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, Ledger Live Desktop offers unmatched security by combining software convenience with hardware-level protection. The app does not store your private keys. Instead, all sensitive operations (like signing a transaction) are performed securely on your Ledger device.

Why Choose Ledger Live Desktop?

✅ Security First

Ledger Live is designed with a core philosophy: your crypto is only safe if you’re the one who controls it. Every transaction must be physically confirmed on your Ledger hardware wallet, ensuring maximum protection from hacks and malware.

🎯 All-in-One Solution

Ledger Live supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, and thousands more. It also supports ERC-20 tokens and NFTs. No need for multiple apps—everything is managed from a single platform.

💰 Buy, Sell & Swap Easily

Partner integrations in Ledger Live let you buy, sell, and swap crypto without ever leaving the app. Services like MoonPay, Coinify, and Wyre are seamlessly integrated, giving you flexibility and convenience.

📈 Portfolio Tracking

Keep a real-time overview of your crypto holdings, transaction history, and asset performance. Ledger Live Desktop gives you the tools to track and analyze your investments over time.

📦 NFT Support

Manage and view your Ethereum and Polygon-based NFTs directly in Ledger Live. See your collectibles with image previews and detailed metadata, all while keeping your keys safe.

🏦 Staking Made Easy

With Ledger Live, you can stake coins like Ethereum, Tezos, Solana, and more to earn rewards. Stake directly from your device while keeping full control of your assets.

⚙️ Customizable & Open Source

Ledger Live’s source code is available for anyone to review. Advanced users can customize settings, enable developer modes, and use Ledger Live in combination with third-party apps like MetaMask or WalletConnect.

How Does Ledger Live Work?

Ledger Live connects with your Ledger hardware wallet (like the Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X) via USB or Bluetooth. Here's how it works:

1. Download Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger website.
2. Install and open the app, then set up or connect your Ledger device.
3. Add accounts for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage.
4. Use the intuitive dashboard to send/receive funds, view your portfolio, and interact with decentralized apps (dApps).

All private keys stay within the hardware wallet—they never touch your computer or the internet.

Getting Started: Quick Setup Guide

1. Install Ledger Live:
   Download from the official Ledger website. Choose your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux).
2. Connect Your Device:
   Plug in your Ledger Nano device and unlock it with your PIN.
3. Install Apps on Your Device:
   Use Ledger Live to install the necessary apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) on your hardware wallet.
4. Add Crypto Accounts:
   Click “Add account” to manage specific assets. This allows Ledger Live to sync your portfolio.
5. Start Managing Crypto:
   Buy, send, swap, and stake securely through the desktop interface.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is Ledger Live Desktop free to use?

Yes, Ledger Live Desktop is 100% free. Ledger makes money by selling hardware wallets and through integrations with partners (like crypto purchase or swap services).

2. Can I use Ledger Live without a Ledger device?

You can view certain features like market prices, but to send or manage assets securely, you need a Ledger hardware wallet.

3. Which operating systems support Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live works on Windows 10+, macOS 10.14+, and most major Linux distributions.

4. What cryptocurrencies does Ledger Live support?

Ledger Live supports over 5,000 coins and tokens, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP, Polkadot (DOT), Cardano (ADA), Dogecoin (DOGE), and thousands of ERC-20 and BEP-20 tokens.

5. Can I manage NFTs on Ledger Live Desktop?

Yes, you can view and manage Ethereum and Polygon-based NFTs. More chains may be added over time.

6. How does Ledger Live ensure my crypto is safe?

Ledger Live is a companion app—it never stores your private keys. All sensitive actions must be approved on your Ledger hardware wallet, which is physically isolated from the internet.

7. Can I stake my crypto in Ledger Live?

Yes. Ledger Live supports staking for coins like ETH, DOT, ATOM, SOL, and XTZ. You retain control of your private keys while earning rewards.

8. What should I do if Ledger Live won’t detect my device?

Try the following steps:

• Ensure your device is unlocked and the correct app is open (e.g., Bitcoin).
• Use an official USB cable.
• Make sure you’re running the latest version of Ledger Live and firmware.
• Restart the app or your computer if needed.

9. Is Ledger Live open-source?

Yes, most parts of Ledger Live are open-source and available on GitHub. This transparency adds to its trust and community involvement.

10. Can I use Ledger Live Desktop alongside Ledger Live Mobile?

Yes, both apps sync seamlessly. You can use the desktop for detailed management and the mobile app for on-the-go access (especially with Ledger Nano X, which supports Bluetooth).

Conclusion

Ledger Live Desktop is more than just a wallet interface—it’s a powerful tool that brings secure crypto management to your fingertips. Whether you're managing Bitcoin, exploring DeFi, or collecting NFTs, Ledger Live offers the control, visibility, and security you need—all from your desktop.