Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started | official Ledger

stveejohn

— 4 min read

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application for managing your Ledger hardware wallet securely on macOS, Windows, or Linux. It acts as the central hub for installing blockchain apps, viewing and tracking your portfolio, sending/receiving crypto, staking, NFTs, and more — while keeping your private keys securely locked in your Ledger device.Ledger Live+1

1. What Is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is a secure desktop app that pairs with your Ledger hardware wallet (such as Nano S Plus, Nano X, Stax) to manage your crypto assets. It offers a full-featured, interface-driven crypto management experience while maintaining top-level security through on-device transaction verification.Ledger Live

Key Principles

  • Private keys never leave your device. All signing happens inside the Ledger hardware wallet.Ledger Live
  • Transactions must be verified physically on your Ledger device screen before completion.Ledger Live
  • Ledger Live is non-custodial — Ledger doesn’t control or store your crypto.Live Desktop

2. Why Use Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop gives you both security and convenience:

Security

  • Keeps private keys offline inside the secure element of the Ledger device.Ledger Live
  • Prevents malware from accessing keys or signing transactions remotely.Live Desktop
  • Enforces on-device confirmation for each transaction.Ledger Live

Convenience

  • Unified dashboard for portfolio management.Ledger Live
  • Send, receive, buy, swap, and stake crypto all within one app.Ledger Live
  • Real-time balance and historical performance tracking.Ledger Live
  • NFT viewing & management (Ethereum & Polygon).Ledger Live

Ledger Live is ideal whether you’re a crypto beginner or an advanced user looking for a secure yet powerful portfolio hub.Ledger Live

3. System Requirements & Compatibility

Before you begin, check that your system meets the minimum requirements:

Supported Platforms

  • Windows: Windows 10 or higher
  • macOS: Newer macOS versions (varies by release)
  • Linux: Popular distributions with modern environments (AppImage, .deb, etc.)Live Le Degr

Hardware Wallet Compatibility

  • Ledger Nano S Plus
  • Ledger Nano X
  • Ledger Stax (if supported by your app version)Ledger Live

Note: Bluetooth connectivity applies only to some devices when pairing mobile apps; desktop users generally use USB.Ledger Live

4. First Steps — Download & Install Ledger Live Desktop

Step 1 — Download the App

  1. Visit the official Ledger Live page:
    👉 ledger.com/ledger-live — always the official and safe source.Ledger Live
  2. Choose your operating system (Windows/macOS/Linux).Ledger Live
  3. Download the installer.

⚠️ Security Tip: Do not download Ledger Live from third-party sites — phishing sites may imitate Ledger and compromise your funds.Ledger Live

Step 2 — Install the App

  1. Run the downloaded installer.
  2. Follow on-screen instructions (click “Next”, accept permissions).
  3. Launch Ledger Live Desktop once installation completes.Live Le Degr

5. Setting Up Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

Ledger Live Desktop works together with your physical Ledger device — the device stores your keys, while the app acts as a secure interface.

Step 1 — Connect Your Device

  • Use the USB cable included with your Ledger.
  • Plug it into your computer and power on the device.Ledger Live Desktop

Step 2 — Choose Setup Mode

Upon opening Ledger Live:

  • Click “Get Started”
  • Select “Set up a new device”
    or
  • Restore device (if reusing an existing recovery phrase)Ledger Live Desktop

If it’s your first time:

  • Choose a secure PIN on the device.
  • Ledger generates a 24-word recovery phrase — write it down offline only.Ledger Live Desktop

⚠️ Never enter your recovery phrase into Ledger Live or any software. Ledger Live will never ask for your full recovery phrase.Ledger Live Desktop

6. Install Blockchain Apps & Add Accounts

Install Apps

  1. In Ledger Live Desktop, go to Manager.
  2. Install blockchain apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
  3. These “apps” enable the ledger to derive keys for specific blockchains.Ledger Live Desktop

Add Accounts

  1. Navigate to Accounts → Add account.
  2. Select the currency you want to manage.
  3. Ledger Live scans your device and shows your addresses and balances.Ledger Live Desktop

7. Using Ledger Live — Core Functions

Once set up, Ledger Live offers several key features:

View & Track Your Portfolio

  • See total portfolio value and individual asset breakdowns.Ledger Live

Send & Receive Crypto

  • Select an account.
  • Click Receive to generate a receive address — always verify on your device screen.
  • Click Send to initiate transactions — confirm amounts and addresses physically on the Ledger.Ledger Live

Buy & Swap Crypto

  • Ledger Live integrates with trusted partners to let you buy or swap crypto from within the app.
  • Financed services may require KYC and market fees.Ledger Live

Staking

  • Stake supported Proof-of-Stake (PoS) assets directly from Ledger Live Desktop.
  • Rewards and tracking are shown in your dashboard.Ledger Live

NFT Management

  • Browse and manage NFTs (e.g., on Ethereum & Polygon).Ledger Live

8. Security Best Practices

Backup Your Recovery Phrase

  • Write the 24-word phrase on physical media.
  • Consider metal backup for long-term durability.Ledger Live Desktop

Never Share Your Seed

  • Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase online.
  • Any request for it is a scam.Ledger Live Desktop

Verify Installer Integrity

  • Optionally check checksums or signatures for the Ledger Live installer.
  • Helps ensure authenticity and prevent tampered downloads.Ledger Live

Protect from Phishing

9. Advanced Security Options

Passphrase (Optional)

  • Adds an extra secret word on top of your 24-word recovery.
  • Creates a hidden wallet.
  • Only use if you understand the risks — losing the passphrase means losing access.Ledger Live Desktop

10. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Connection Problems

  • Try another USB port, cable, or reboot Ledger Live.
  • Make sure your device screen is unlocked and showing the right app screen.Ledger Live Desktop

Firmware Update Issues

  • Ledger Live will prompt firmware updates if needed.
  • Follow on-screen and on-device instructions carefully.Ledger Live Desktop

Lost Device

  • Your funds are still recoverable using your seed phrase on a new Ledger device.
  • Never rely on the device alone — the recovery phrase is the only true backup.Ledger Live Desktop

11. Summary

Ledger Live Desktop is the secure and official desktop application for managing your Ledger hardware wallet. Together, they offer:

✅ Non-custodial crypto management
✅ On-device signing for enhanced security
✅ Portfolio tracking, sending, receiving, buying, swapping, and staking
✅ Support for thousands of coins and tokens
✅ NFT viewing and management

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