Ledger Live Desktop for Windows & Mac – Official Download Guide

As cryptocurrencies and digital assets become more widespread, using a secure and reliable software wallet interface has never been more important. For users of Ledger hardware wallets — such as Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Ledger Stax — the companion software that makes management of coins, tokens, NFTs, and staking possible is Ledger Live Desktop. This guide explains what Ledger Live Desktop is, how to download & install it for Windows and macOS, system requirements, and how to set up and use it securely.

What is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the official application from Ledger that serves as the bridge between your hardware wallet and the blockchain ecosystem. While your private keys stay safely inside your Ledger device, Ledger Live enables you to:

View account balances
Send and receive cryptocurrencies
Manage multiple crypto assets (coins, tokens, NFTs)
Install and manage apps on your Ledger hardware (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum apps)
Perform firmware updates, manage security settings
Use additional features like staking, swaps, and integrated exchange or purchase options (where supported) Ledger+2Ledger+2

Because the private keys remain offline on the hardware wallet, Ledger Live acts as a secure interface — a design that greatly reduces exposure to hacks or malware.

Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, giving users flexibility regardless of their desktop operating system. Ledger+2Download Ledger Live+2

Why Use Ledger Live Desktop Instead of Online Wallets or Browser Extensions

Hardware-level security: Private keys never leave the hardware wallet, and every transaction must be confirmed physically on the device. Ledger+1
Wide crypto support: Manage major coins, many altcoins, tokens, and — depending on firmware/app support — NFTs and more. Ledger+1
Unified portfolio view: See balances, transaction history, and overall portfolio performance on a clean dashboard. Ledger Help+1
Built-in management tools: Install and manage blockchain-specific apps on your Ledger device; handle firmware updates; and more, all within one official interface. Ledger+1
Reduced risk of phishing or malicious web wallets: Since you run Ledger Live on your desktop and never enter your recovery phrase into the software, the common risks of web wallets are greatly minimized. helpweb-ledger-desktop.teachable.com+1

System Requirements & Supported Operating Systems

Before downloading and installing Ledger Live Desktop, ensure your computer meets the following requirements:

Windows: Windows 10 or newer (64-bit recommended). Ledger+1
macOS: macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or later. Most recent macOS versions are supported. Ledger+1
Laptop/PC Requirements: Typically minimal — a modern processor, USB port (for hardware wallet), ~4 GB RAM is recommended. s-ledger.live+1

Ledger Live Desktop is designed to run efficiently, without requiring heavy system resources. ledgerwebapps.com+1

How to Download Ledger Live Desktop (Windows & Mac)

It’s essential to always get Ledger Live from the official Ledger website, to avoid phishing or fake software. Ledger+2apps-ledger-io.teachable.com+2

Steps:

Open a browser and navigate to the official download page: ledger.com/ledger-live. Ledger+1
On the download page, choose the version matching your operating system — Windows or macOS. Ledger+1
Click the appropriate download button. For Windows, you’ll download a .exe; for macOS, typically a .dmg installer. Download Ledger Live+1
Save the installer to your computer (e.g. Downloads folder).
(Optional but recommended) Verify the file’s integrity — Ledger often provides cryptographic hashes or signatures for their installer files. This helps ensure the file wasn’t tampered with. ledgerlive-download-faq.teachable.com+1

Installing Ledger Live Desktop

Windows Installation

Locate the downloaded .exe installer.
Double-click to launch the installer.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete installation (choose installation folder if prompted).
Once installed, launch Ledger Live from the Start Menu or desktop shortcut. Download Ledger Live+1

macOS Installation

Open the downloaded .dmg file.
A Finder window will appear — drag the Ledger Live application icon into the Applications folder.
Depending on your macOS security settings, on first run you may need to authorise the app (e.g. via “Open Anyway” in System Preferences → Security & Privacy).
Launch Ledger Live from the Applications folder or Launchpad. FCC Report+1

After installation, ledger will prompt you to either set up a new device or connect an existing Ledger hardware wallet.

Initial Setup & Connecting Your Ledger Device

Once Ledger Live Desktop is installed and launched, here’s how to get started:

Click “Get Started” on the welcome screen. ledgerlive-desk-info.pages.dev+1
Choose whether to set up a new device or connect an existing Ledger device.
Connect your Ledger hardware wallet via USB to your computer. Unlock the device using your PIN. Ledger+1
Ledger Live may prompt you to install or update firmware — always follow official instructions to ensure device security. Ledger+1
Once the device is recognized and ready, you can install needed blockchain “apps” on the hardware (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.), then add accounts for each crypto you wish to manage. Ledger+1
After setup, you can send/receive crypto, track balances, manage tokens/NFTs, swap assets, stake (if supported), and more — all while your private keys remain securely locked inside the Ledger device. Ledger+1

Security Tips & Best Practices

Because Ledger Live is directly tied to the safety of your crypto assets, security practices matter greatly. Here are some important recommendations:

Only download Ledger Live from the official site (ledger.com/ledger-live). Avoid third-party sites, random download links, or unsolicited popups. apps-ledger-io.teachable.com+1
Never share your 24-word recovery phrase or seed phrase online. Ledger will never ask for it in the app or via support. If any interface requests it — treat it as a scam. helpweb-ledger-desktop.teachable.com+1
Verify installer integrity, especially after major updates — using checksums or signatures if provided. ledgerlive-download-faq.teachable.com+1
Ensure your OS and Ledger firmware are up-to-date. Security patches, device drivers, and app updates help guard against vulnerabilities. Ledger+1
Use official USB cables and avoid untrusted hardware. For USB-C adapters or hubs, ensure they’re reliable.
Be cautious of phishing attempts or fake Ledger-branded software. The crypto community has repeatedly warned of fraudulent apps posing as Ledger Live — especially targeting macOS users. Reddit+1

Common Use Cases & Features of Ledger Live Desktop

Once installed and configured, Ledger Live Desktop enables a wide range of crypto-management tasks:

Portfolio tracking: View balances across multiple accounts and cryptocurrencies, see price changes, and get an overview of your holdings. Ledger Help+1
Send and receive crypto: Safely initiate transactions, with each send/receive being validated on your hardware device. Ledger+1
Install and manage blockchain-specific apps: For each coin or network you use (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.), you install the appropriate “app” to allow the device to handle keys & transactions. Ledger+1
Staking / Earning: For supported networks, stake your assets to earn rewards (if Ledger Live supports staking for that coin) — all done securely through the interface. Ledger+1
Swaps / Integrated exchange options: Where supported, you can swap between cryptos or buy certain cryptocurrencies via third-party partners directly within Ledger Live. Ledger+1
NFT and token management: For supported chains (e.g. Ethereum, compatible networks), you can view and manage tokens/NFTs associated with your accounts. Ledger+1

Summary & Final Thoughts

Ledger Live Desktop for Windows and macOS is the official, recommended, and secure way to use your Ledger hardware wallet to manage cryptocurrencies. By keeping private keys offline, while offering a powerful, user-friendly interface for transactions, account management, staking, swaps, and more — Ledger Live combines convenience with high-grade security.

If you're a Ledger wallet user, installing Ledger Live Desktop should be among your first steps. Just remember: always download from the official Ledger website, never share your recovery phrase, and verify the integrity of your installer. With those precautions, you can confidently manage your digital assets in a secure and efficient way.