What is Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application from Ledger that provides a secure, powerful interface on your PC or Mac to manage major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). Paired with Ledger hardware wallets (such as Nano S Plus, Nano X, or others), it ensures your private keys remain entirely offline while you use the software to track, send, receive, and swap crypto. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
With support for thousands of assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a wide array of tokens, Ledger Live Desktop provides you full visibility over your holdings — portfolio balances, price charts, historical performance, transaction history — everything in one clean dashboard. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
📥 Send & Receive BTC & ETH Securely
Create receiving addresses for Bitcoin or Ethereum, send your crypto, and receive funds. Each transaction must be confirmed physically on your Ledger hardware device so that even if your computer is compromised, your crypto remains secure. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
📊 Track Portfolio in Real Time
Keep an eye on live crypto prices, monitor value of your holdings, view asset split between Bitcoin and Ethereum, check transaction history — all updated in real time. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
🔁 Swap Between BTC, ETH & Tokens
Need to exchange Ethereum tokens? Or swap ETH to BTC? Ledger Live Desktop lets you swap assets inside the app via trusted partners. All swaps still require your Ledger hardware wallet confirmation. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
🌱 Stake Ethereum & Earn Rewards
Earn rewards by staking supported cryptocurrencies — currently including Ethereum (ETH) as well as other networks. Monitor your staking status and rewards from within the desktop interface. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
🛡 Strong Hardware Security
Your private keys never leave your Ledger hardware wallet. All sensitive operations (sending, signing, swaps) require manual confirmation on the hardware device — protecting you against malware or remote threats. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
🔐 Ethereum Token Support
Manage ERC‑20 tokens, DeFi tokens built on Ethereum, and more. Install the Ethereum app on your Ledger device and get full support via Ledger Live Desktop Dashboard. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
How to Set Up Ledger Live Desktop with BTC & ETH
- Go to Ledger.com/start and download the Ledger Live Desktop version for your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux). :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Unbox and initialize your Ledger hardware wallet, set a strong PIN, and write down your 24‑word recovery phrase offline. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- Open Ledger Live Desktop, connect your device, install necessary apps (Bitcoin app, Ethereum app) via the Manager. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- Add your Bitcoin and Ethereum accounts in the app. The desktop dashboard will start showing balances, transaction history, and portfolio value. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
- Use “Send”, “Receive”, “Swap” features as required. Always confirm transactions on the hardware device itself. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• Only download Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger site. Fake software is a common phishing risk.
• NEVER share your recovery phrase or PIN with anyone. Ledger will never ask for them.
• Always verify transaction details on your Ledger device screen before confirming.
• Keep your Ledger device firmware and desktop app updated for latest protections.
Why Choose Desktop for Bitcoin & Ethereum?
Using Ledger Live Desktop gives you a clearer, more powerful interface to manage your Bitcoin & Ethereum than mobile or web wallets. Large screens, full analytics, better transaction review, and robust security make desktop a preferred option for many serious users. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
With your Ledger hardware wallet, you combine self‑custody with the full feature set: track assets, stake ETH, stay on top of fees, manage tokens, all from the safety of your PC. No need to trust exchanges with your keys. You remain in control. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}