A desktop wallet is a cryptocurrency wallet application installed on a laptop or desktop computer, which generates and stores the user's private keys on that machine and lets them send, receive and track coins. Most are non-custodial, meaning the user alone controls the keys, and many can connect to a hardware wallet for extra protection. Examples include Bitcoin Core, the original Bitcoin software, which can run a full node, and lighter programs such as the Electrum wallet. Desktop wallets offer more features and screen space than mobile apps, but because the computer is connected to the internet they count as a hot wallet and are exposed to malware, keyloggers and clipboard-hijacking software. Users are advised to keep the system updated, encrypt the wallet file and store the backup seed phrase offline. Also see hot, cold, hardware and software wallets.
Last updated 13 Nov 2026