Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started | official Ledger Wallet™ App
Your official Ledger Wallet™ companion app for secure crypto management
Ledger Live Desktop is the official application provided by Ledger that acts as the central interface for managing cryptocurrency assets stored on a Ledger hardware wallet. The app works on Windows, macOS, and Linux and connects to Ledger devices such as the Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, and Ledger Stax. Unlike many software wallets, Ledger Live lets you view your portfolio, send and receive assets, buy/swap crypto, and stake supported coins — while your private keys remain securely stored offline on your Ledger device. Live Desktop
1. What Is Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop is a non-custodial wallet management application designed for desktop computers. It pairs with your Ledger hardware wallet to give you full portfolio control without exposing your private keys to the internet or your computer. Ledger Live constructs transactions, displays balances and analytics, and lets you interact with your crypto — but all signing and private key operations occur on your hardware device itself. Ledger Live
Why this matters:
- Cold-storage security: Private keys never leave the Ledger device.
- Verified signing: All transactions must be confirmed on the device’s screen using its buttons.
- Unified management: View all supported assets in one dashboard. Live Desktop
Ledger Live Desktop is often preferred by users who want a full-featured workspace with easy navigation, detailed charts, and more screen real estate than mobile. Live Desktop
2. Before You Begin – What You Need
✔ Required Hardware
You need a Ledger hardware wallet — for example:
- Ledger Nano X
- Ledger Nano S Plus
- Ledger Stax
These devices securely hold your private keys offline. Ledger Live Desktop acts as the management app that communicates with your device. Ledger Live
✔ Supported Desktop Platforms
Ledger Live Desktop supports:
- Windows 10 or later
- macOS (Intel & Apple Silicon)
- Linux (Ubuntu and similar distros) Ledger Live
✔ Safety Preparations
Before installing Ledger Live Desktop:
- Ensure your computer has the latest operating system updates.
- Have a private space to write down your recovery phrase.
- Use the official Ledger website to download the software — never third-party sites. Support Ledger
⚠️ Important: Ledger Live will never ask you to enter your 24-word recovery phrase into the app or a website. If it does, treat it as a scam. Support Ledger
3. Installing Ledger Live Desktop
Step-by-Step Installation
- Go to the official Ledger download page:
Visit ledger.com/ledger-live or ledger.com/start to download the desktop installer. Support Ledger - Choose your operating system:
Select Windows, macOS, or Linux to get the right installer. Support Ledger - Download and run the installer:
Follow the instructions to install Ledger Live on your computer. Ledger Live - Launch the app:
Once installed, open Ledger Live Desktop to begin setup. Ledger Live
💡 Some users may choose to verify the installer’s checksum for additional trust — Ledger publishes cryptographic signatures that advanced users can check. Ledger Live
4. Setting Up Ledger Live With Your Hardware Wallet
Once Ledger Live Desktop is installed, you’ll go through a simple onboarding process:
1) Connect Your Ledger Device
Plug your Ledger wallet into your computer using a USB cable. Ledger Live
2) Open Ledger Live
Click Get Started in the application. You’ll be guided through setup options. Ledger Live
3) Choose Setup Type
You can either:
- Set up a new device (initialize a new wallet), or
- Restore an existing device using your recovery phrase. Ledger Live
Important: Your recovery phrase is only entered on your Ledger device’s screen — don’t type it into Ledger Live or your computer. Support Ledger
4) Install or Update Firmware
Ledger Live may prompt you to install the latest firmware on your device — this improves security and features. Ledger Live
5) Add Accounts
Choose which cryptocurrencies to manage, and Ledger Live Desktop will add those accounts. You can manage multiple coins and tokens from one interface. Ledger Live
5. Key Features of Ledger Live Desktop
Once setup is complete, Ledger Live Desktop offers a powerful suite of features:
🔒 Private Key Security
- Your private keys never leave your hardware wallet.
- Transactions are signed on the device itself. Ledger Live
📊 Portfolio Dashboard
- View all assets and balances in one place.
- Get price charts and historical performance. Live Desktop
📥 Send & Receive Crypto
- Create and transmit transactions.
- Always verify addresses and amounts on your Ledger device screen. Ledger Live
🔁 Buy and Swap
- Integrated partners allow you to buy crypto with fiat, swap assets, or sell — without exposing keys. Fees and KYC requirements depend on the provider. Ledger
🚀 Staking and Earning
- Stake supported assets to earn rewards.
- Monitor staking performance directly in Ledger Live. Ledger
🧩 App Manager
- Install blockchain-specific apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) on your Ledger device.
- Only necessary apps are kept, saving device space. Teachable
🎨 NFT Support
- View and transfer NFTs (Ethereum and Polygon) directly in the app. Ledger Live
🔗 DeFi & dApp Integrations
- Connect Ledger Live to external services like WalletConnect or MetaMask for interacting with decentralized apps — transactions still require on-device approval. Ledger Live
6. Security Best Practices
Ledger Live Desktop’s security depends on keeping private keys offline — but it’s also important to maintain safe habits:
✔ Only Download from Official Sources
Always download Ledger Live from ledger.com/start or verified vendor pages. Support Ledger
✔ Never Share Your Recovery Phrase
Your 24-word recovery phrase is the master key to your crypto — never enter it on a computer, phone, website, or software. Support Ledger
✔ Verify Transaction Details
Always check the transaction amount and destination on your Ledger device’s display before approving. Ledger Live
✔ Avoid Public or Untrusted Computers
Heavily restrict use to your personal, trusted environment — public devices may be compromised. Ledger Live
✔ Keep Software Updated
Apply updates for Ledger Live and your device firmware when prompted — updates often include important security enhancements. Ledger Live
7. Common Questions (FAQ)
Can I use Ledger Live Desktop without a hardware wallet?
No. Ledger Live Desktop requires a Ledger hardware device to sign transactions. The app cannot send crypto by itself. Ledger Live
Is Ledger Live free?
Yes — downloading and using Ledger Live Desktop is free. However, some buy/swap services may charge fees. Ledger Live Desktop Getting Started
Can I sync desktop and mobile?
Yes — with Ledger Sync (when available), you can synchronize account data between desktop and mobile without exposing private keys. docs-desk-ledger-live-web.typedream.app
What happens if I lose my Ledger device?
You can restore your accounts using your recovery phrase on a new Ledger or compatible wallet — as long as you kept your phrase safe. Ledger Live Desktop Getting Started
8. Troubleshooting Basics
If Ledger Live Desktop doesn’t detect your device:
- Try another USB port or cable.
- Ensure Ledger Live and device firmware are up-to-date.
- Restart the app or computer. Ledger Live
For more detailed troubleshooting, visit Ledger’s official Support Center.
9. Conclusion
Ledger Live Desktop is the official, powerful, and secure way to manage your Ledger hardware wallet on a desktop computer. By combining cold storage private keys with an intuitive interface for transactions, portfolio tracking, staking, and DeFi access, Ledger Live bridges strong security with rich functionality. Live Desktop
Follow the steps above carefully, practice good security habits, and always use official sources — and you’ll be ready to confidently manage your crypto assets with Ledger Live Desktop. Support Ledger