Ledger Live Desktop — Getting Started | Official Ledger Wallet
In an age where digital assets are both valuable and vulnerable, choosing a secure way to manage your cryptocurrency is essential. For millions of crypto holders worldwide, Ledger Live Desktop paired with a Ledger hardware wallet has become a trusted solution. This official application from Ledger® lets you securely manage, track, and transact crypto — all while keeping your private keys offline and under your control.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced holder, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started with Ledger Live Desktop — from installation and setup to advanced features and safety best practices.
1. What Is Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application designed to work with Ledger hardware wallets (such as the Nano S Plus, Nano X, and other supported models) to manage cryptocurrency securely on your computer. It’s available for major operating systems — Windows, macOS, and Linux — and provides a secure, comprehensive interface for:
- Tracking and managing your cryptocurrency portfolio
- Sending and receiving digital assets
- Buying, swapping, and staking supported tokens
- Managing NFTs and exploring Web3 applications
- Installing blockchain apps onto your Ledger device
Importantly, Ledger Live Desktop keeps your private keys offline inside your hardware wallet, meaning you never expose them to your computer or the internet — a core principle of hardware wallet security.
2. System Requirements and Preparation
Before you begin, make sure your setup meets the basic requirements:
Supported Operating Systems:
- Windows: Windows 10 or higher
- macOS: macOS 12 (Monterey) or higher
- Linux: Modern 64‑bit distributions (Ubuntu 20.04+ recommended)
You’ll also need:
- A Ledger hardware wallet (e.g., Nano S Plus or Nano X)
- A USB cable to connect your Ledger device
- A secure offline place to store your recovery phrase
- A modern, updated computer free of malware
Preparing in advance ensures a smooth installation and reduces the risk of security issues during setup.
3. Downloading Ledger Live Desktop Safely
Security starts with where you download Ledger Live Desktop.
🔐 IMPORTANT: Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website — ledger.com/start — to avoid phishing sites or tampered installers. Scammers often create fake download pages that mimic Ledger, aiming to steal recovery phrases or install malicious software.
Steps to Download:
- Visit: ledger.com/start
- Choose your operating system (Windows / macOS / Linux).
- Click the download link for Ledger Live Desktop.
- Once downloaded, run the installer and follow the prompts.
After installation, open the Ledger Live application to begin the setup flow.
4. Initial Setup and Device Pairing
When you launch Ledger Live Desktop for the first time, you’re greeted with the setup wizard. The application guides you step‑by‑step — there’s no need to guess what comes next.
Step‑by‑Step Setup:
- Get Started in Ledger Live.
- Choose your action:
- Set up a new device (for first‑time users)
- Restore an existing device (if you already have a recovery phrase)
- Connect your Ledger hardware wallet to your computer using the USB cable.
- Follow on‑device prompts to create or restore your wallet.
Creating a PIN and Recovery Phrase:
- Your device will prompt you to choose a secure PIN code that you’ll enter when unlocking your device.
- The wallet will generate a 24‑word recovery phrase — this is the master key to your crypto. Write it down offline on the recovery sheet provided and store it securely.
- Ledger (and Ledger Live) will never ask for your recovery phrase online — not in the app, support ticket, email, or social media. Keep it offline, private, and secure.
Once you complete this on‑device setup, Ledger Live Desktop will verify the connection and complete the initialization.
5. Installing Blockchain Apps and Adding Accounts
With Ledger Live Desktop installed and your device initialized, the next step is to install the necessary blockchain apps and link accounts:
Install Crypto Apps:
- In Ledger Live Desktop, open the Manager tab.
- Browse and install the blockchain apps you need (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana).
Each app enables your Ledger device to derive keys and sign transactions for a specific blockchain.
Add Accounts:
- Navigate to Accounts → Add account.
- Select the cryptocurrency you want to manage.
- Ledger Live will scan and display balances and transaction history for that asset.
This gives you a complete, real‑time view of your portfolio directly in the Ledger Live Dashboard.
6. Core Features of Ledger Live Desktop
Ledger Live Desktop isn’t just a basic wallet interface — it’s a powerful management hub:
Portfolio Tracking
View your crypto balances across multiple assets, check market values, and monitor performance over time.
Send & Receive Crypto
- Receive funds by displaying an address in Ledger Live and verifying it on‑device.
- Send assets with on‑device confirmation before finalizing — protecting you from malware that might alter transaction details.
Buy, Sell, Swap
Integrated partners let you buy, sell, or swap tokens directly within Ledger Live — without exposing your private keys.
Staking & Rewards
Stake supported assets (such as Ethereum, Tezos, or Cosmos) and track rewards — all handled through Ledger Live.
NFT & Web3 Integration
View and manage NFTs or connect with decentralized applications (dApps) through secure extensions and integrations.
7. Maintaining Security and Best Practices
Ledger Live Desktop is built for security — but your actions matter too.
Top Safety Tips:
- Never share your recovery phrase — anywhere, online or offline.
- Verify addresses on your Ledger device screen before confirming transactions.
- Keep Ledger Live updated — updates often include security patches.
- Avoid public or shared computers when accessing your wallet.
- Use passphrases carefully if you choose advanced options (they add extra security but increase recovery complexity).
Security isn’t just about tools — it’s about habits.
8. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best setup, you might sometimes encounter issues:
- App not opening: Reinstall from the official site and clear app cache if needed.
- Device not detected: Try a different USB port/cable or check drivers.
- Firmware update failures: Restart device and app, then retry.
- Sync or performance issues: Keep both your OS and Ledger Live up to date.
When in doubt, refer to the official Ledger Support Center for step‑by‑step help.
Conclusion
Getting started with Ledger Live Desktop and a Ledger hardware wallet gives you a secure, user‑friendly platform to manage your cryptocurrency portfolio. With offline key protection, robust transaction verification, and integrated tools for buying, staking, and exploring Web3, Ledger Live Desktop is a cornerstone of secure crypto ownership.
Remember: download only from official Ledger links, protect your recovery phrase, and always verify transaction details on your device — these habits will keep your digital assets safe for the long term.