> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://desktops-app-ledgr.mintlify.site/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Ledger Live Desktop® — Starting Up Your Device | Ledger™™ > Ledger Live Desktop gives you a convenient desktop workspace for managing crypto accounts, checking balances, tracking. Ledger Live Desktop is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets, designed to provide a secure and comprehensive interface for managing cryptocurrency assets directly from a computer. It bridges the gap between the offline security of a hardware device and the convenience of a desktop dashboard. By keeping private keys isolated on the physical device, the application allows users to view portfolios, execute transactions, and access decentralized finance services without exposing sensitive data to the internet. As the central hub for the Ledger ecosystem, it supports a vast array of digital assets and integrates essential management tools into a single, cohesive platform. **Core Functionality and Asset Management** The primary function of Ledger Live Desktop is to serve as a unified dashboard for a user's entire crypto portfolio. It allows individuals to track balances, monitor market trends, and review transaction history across multiple accounts and networks in real time . The application supports thousands of different cryptocurrencies and tokens, including major assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, as well as numerous ERC-20 tokens . Users can easily add accounts for various assets, with the application syncing the blockchain data to display accurate balances . Beyond simple tracking, the desktop app facilitates the core operations of sending and receiving funds. Crucially, every transaction initiated within the software must be physically verified and approved on the connected Ledger hardware device, ensuring that even if the computer is compromised, funds cannot be moved without manual confirmation . **Trading, Staking, and DeFi Access** Beyond basic wallet functions, Ledger Live Desktop integrates a suite of financial services that allow users to actively manage their holdings. The platform features a "Buy" and "Swap" functionality, enabling users to purchase crypto with fiat currency through third-party providers or exchange one asset for another directly within the interface . For long-term holders, the application offers staking capabilities for supported proof-of-stake assets, allowing users to earn rewards on their idle cryptocurrency through validated service providers . Additionally, the desktop application provides a gateway to Web3 and decentralized finance. It includes a "Discover" section that allows users to connect to decentralized applications and DeFi platforms, enabling interaction with smart contracts and blockchain-based services while maintaining the security of the hardware wallet . **Security Architecture and Key Management** Security is the foundational principle of Ledger Live Desktop, which operates on a self-custody model. Unlike centralized exchanges, the application does not store user funds; instead, it acts as an interface for the private keys which are securely stored offline within the Secure Element chip of the Ledger device . The desktop app itself does not hold the recovery phrase or private keys. During the initial setup, users are guided to create a PIN code and write down a 24-word recovery phrase, which serves as the ultimate backup for the wallet . The application also manages the installation of specific cryptocurrency apps onto the hardware device and handles firmware updates, ensuring the device has the latest security patches. It is important to note that local data, such as account names and settings, are stored locally on the computer and are not synchronized across different installations, reinforcing the decentralized nature of the security model . **System Requirements and Compatibility** Ledger Live Desktop is available for the major operating systems, ensuring broad accessibility for users. The application requires a 64-bit system to run efficiently. For Windows users, the minimum requirement is Windows 10 (64-bit) or later. Mac users need to be running macOS 12.0 (Monterey) or a newer version, such as Ventura or Sonoma. Linux support is provided for Ubuntu 20.04 (64-bit) and above, though it is limited to x86\_64 architecture, meaning ARM-based systems are not officially supported . The application also has a minimum display resolution requirement of 1024x768. While the desktop app is the focus, Ledger also offers a mobile version for iOS and Android, which can be used in tandem with the desktop version. However, users should be aware that accounts and settings do not automatically sync between the mobile and desktop applications; accounts must be added manually on each device to view the same blockchain data . **User Experience and Interface** The interface of Ledger Live Desktop is designed to be intuitive, catering to both beginners and experienced users. Upon launching the application, users are presented with a clean dashboard that clearly delineates different sections such as Portfolio, Accounts, Send, Receive, and Manager . The setup process for a new device is guided by on-screen instructions, leading the user through PIN creation, recovery phrase backup, and initial account addition . For users managing multiple devices or reinstalling the software, the application allows for the restoration of an existing wallet using the recovery phrase. It is critical to note that while the desktop app is free to download and use, the hardware wallet itself is a separate purchase, and the security benefits of the software are entirely dependent on the use of the physical device . The application also provides a "Manager" tab where users can install or uninstall apps for specific coins on their Ledger device, a necessary step for managing various assets . **Ecosystem Integration and Third-Party Wallets** While Ledger Live Desktop offers native support for a vast number of assets, it also recognizes the diverse needs of the crypto community by allowing integration with third-party wallets. For assets that are not natively supported within the Ledger Live interface, users can connect their Ledger device to compatible external wallets like MetaMask or Yoroi . In these scenarios, the Ledger device continues to serve as the secure signer, ensuring that private keys never leave the hardware, even when interacting with external software. This interoperability extends the utility of the Ledger ecosystem, allowing users to access a wider range of decentralized applications and blockchain networks without compromising on security. However, users should always exercise caution and verify transactions on the device screen when using third-party interfaces. **Conclusion** Ledger Live Desktop represents a critical component of the self-custody cryptocurrency experience, offering a robust, feature-rich environment for managing digital assets. By combining the convenience of a desktop dashboard with the rigorous security of offline private key storage, it empowers users to take full control of their financial sovereignty. From tracking portfolios and executing trades to exploring DeFi and staking, the application provides a comprehensive toolkit for the modern crypto user. This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.