The **Trezor Bridge** is the essential, lightweight application that guarantees a safe and stable connection between your physical Trezor device and the web-based interface of Trezor Suite (or Trezor Wallet). It’s not just a driver; it’s a vital **security layer** that runs silently in the background of your desktop operating system.
It enables your browser to communicate with your hardware wallet locally, eliminating the need for web applications to handle direct USB communication, which is a significant **security best practice**.
The Bridge creates an **isolated channel**, ensuring that transaction data and sensitive information are strictly confined to your local machine before being signed by the Trezor device itself. This minimizes attack vectors.
It typically requires **zero configuration** after installation. It automatically starts when your operating system boots, ready to facilitate secure, instant pairing the moment you connect your Trezor.
Designed for **cross-platform compatibility**, the Bridge ensures a consistent experience whether you are running Windows, macOS, or a Linux distribution. It handles the nuances of each OS seamlessly.
Ensure you always download the Trezor Bridge only from the **official Trezor website**. Verifying the software's digital signature is crucial for security. Once installed, it runs as a small icon in your system tray, signifying that the secure gateway is active.
The successful handshake between the browser and the Bridge is what ultimately allows you to proceed with essential operations like viewing your portfolio, sending cryptocurrency, and **firmware updates**.