Ledger Desktop is the official desktop application for securely managing Ledger hardware wallets, authorizing transactions, and overseeing multi-asset portfolios from a single, trusted interface.
Ledger Desktop is designed to combine robust security with an intuitive user experience. The application serves as the primary on-device companion for Ledger hardware wallets, enabling users to manage assets, sign transactions locally, and access official integrations. Ledger Desktop purposefully minimizes remote exposure of secret material: private keys remain on the hardware device at all times while Ledger Desktop acts as the secure control surface.
Ledger Desktop adheres to strict security principles: isolation of private keys on the hardware device, signed firmware verification, and transparent cryptographic operations. The application exposes only the minimal metadata required to display account balances and build unsigned transactions; final approval and signing require physical confirmation on the Ledger device.
Users must secure their 24-word recovery phrase offline. Ledger Desktop never requests, transmits, or stores recovery phrases. Official support channels will never ask for your recovery phrase.
Ledger Desktop supports modern desktop platforms with the following minimum requirements:
Download Ledger Desktop only from the official Ledger website. Verify the download checksum or digital signature where provided. Follow these essential steps for a secure setup:
For routine use, pair Ledger Desktop with your hardware wallet to view balances, build transactions, and sign operations on-device. Best practices include applying firmware updates promptly, verifying transaction details on the device screen before approval, and restricting desktop access to trusted machines.
For application integrations, use Ledger Desktop as the middleware for approved DApp connections rather than exporting keys. Use separate, auditable accounts for distinct activities (trading, custody, staking) to limit exposure.
Official documentation, step-by-step guides, firmware release notes, and security advisories are published on Ledger’s support portal. For account recovery, follow the documented procedures and do not disclose your recovery phrase to any third party. For technical assistance, open a ticket via the official support channel and reference application logs where available.
Recommended resources:
Ledger Desktop is distributed under Ledger’s standard licensing and privacy terms. The application transmits limited telemetry and network queries as documented in the privacy policy; users may opt out of non-essential telemetry where controls are provided. Ledger does not hold private keys for users and is not a custodian; responsibility for secure recovery phrase management rests with the user.