Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started™ | Official Ledger Wallet
Ledger® Live Desktop® is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets, designed to help users securely manage, buy, sell, stake, and grow their crypto assets. Whether you are new to cryptocurrency or an experienced investor, Ledger Live Desktop provides a powerful yet intuitive interface to keep full control of your digital assets—without compromising security.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started with Ledger® Live Desktop®, from installation and setup to daily use and advanced features.
What Is Ledger® Live Desktop®?
Ledger® Live Desktop® is a secure desktop application developed by Ledger, the global leader in hardware wallet security. It connects directly to Ledger hardware wallets such as:
- Ledger Nano S Plus®
- Ledger Nano X®
- Ledger Nano S®
Unlike software wallets, Ledger Live works in combination with a hardware wallet, meaning your private keys are never exposed to your computer or the internet.
Key Benefits of Ledger Live Desktop
- Full ownership of your private keys
- Secure crypto management on desktop
- Support for thousands of coins and tokens
- Integrated buying, selling, swapping, and staking
- Regular security updates from Ledger
System Requirements for Ledger Live Desktop®
Before installing Ledger Live Desktop, ensure your system meets the minimum requirements.
Supported Operating Systems
- Windows® 10 or later (64-bit)
- macOS® 12 or later
- Linux® (Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian-based systems)
Hardware Requirements
- USB port (or Bluetooth for Ledger Nano X)
- Stable internet connection
- Ledger hardware wallet
How to Download Ledger® Live Desktop® Safely
For security reasons, Ledger Live should only be downloaded from the official Ledger website. Downloading from unofficial sources may expose you to phishing or malware risks.
Installation Steps
- Visit the official Ledger website
- Navigate to Ledger Live
- Select your operating system
- Download and install the application
- Launch Ledger Live Desktop
Upon first launch, Ledger Live performs an authenticity check to ensure the software has not been tampered with.
Setting Up Ledger Live Desktop for the First Time
When opening Ledger Live Desktop for the first time, you will be guided through a setup process.
Step 1: Choose Your Device
Select the Ledger hardware wallet you own:
- Ledger Nano X
- Ledger Nano S Plus
- Ledger Nano S
Step 2: Initialize or Restore a Wallet
You can choose to:
- Set up a new Ledger device
- Restore an existing wallet using a recovery phrase
If you are new, Ledger Live will guide you through creating a 24-word recovery phrase, which must be written down and stored securely offline.
⚠️ Important: Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger will never ask for it.
Step 3: Set a PIN Code
You will create a PIN code on your Ledger device. This PIN is required every time you connect the wallet.
Installing Crypto Apps on Your Ledger Device
Ledger Live Desktop allows you to install individual blockchain apps directly onto your hardware wallet.
How App Installation Works
- Each cryptocurrency requires a dedicated app
- Apps run securely on the Ledger device
- Private keys remain isolated inside the Secure Element
Steps to Install Apps
- Connect your Ledger device
- Unlock it with your PIN
- Open the Manager tab in Ledger Live
- Allow device access
- Install apps such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, or Polygon
You can uninstall and reinstall apps without losing funds, as assets are stored on the blockchain, not the device.
Adding Accounts in Ledger Live Desktop®
Once apps are installed, you can add accounts to manage your assets.
Supported Assets
Ledger Live supports:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Litecoin (LTC)
- XRP
- Cardano (ADA)
- Thousands of ERC-20 and other tokens
How to Add an Account
- Go to Accounts
- Click Add account
- Select the cryptocurrency
- Open the corresponding app on your Ledger device
- Ledger Live synchronizes the account
You can manage multiple accounts for the same asset.
Sending and Receiving Crypto Securely
Receiving Crypto
- Select the account
- Click Receive
- Verify the address on your Ledger device
- Copy and share the verified address
Always verify the address on the device screen to prevent malware attacks.
Sending Crypto
- Select the account
- Click Send
- Enter recipient address and amount
- Confirm transaction details on the Ledger device
Transactions are only approved when physically confirmed on the hardware wallet.
Buying, Selling, and Swapping Crypto
Ledger Live Desktop integrates trusted third-party providers, allowing users to trade crypto without leaving the app.
Available Services
- Buy crypto with fiat
- Sell crypto to your bank
- Swap assets instantly
- On-ramp and off-ramp services
Ledger never holds your funds; all transactions require device confirmation.
Staking Crypto with Ledger Live Desktop®
Ledger Live supports staking for several cryptocurrencies, allowing users to earn passive rewards while maintaining custody.
Supported Staking Assets
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Solana (SOL)
- Polkadot (DOT)
- Tezos (XTZ)
- Cosmos (ATOM)
Why Stake with Ledger?
- Non-custodial staking
- Funds remain under your control
- Transparent reward tracking
Security Features of Ledger Live Desktop®
Ledger Live Desktop is built with security as a top priority.
Core Security Elements
- Secure Element chip in Ledger devices
- Offline private key storage
- Clear transaction signing
- Anti-phishing protections
- Regular firmware and app updates
Ledger Live itself never has access to your private keys.
Keeping Ledger Live Up to Date
Ledger frequently releases updates to improve performance, add new assets, and enhance security.
Update Best Practices
- Enable update notifications
- Only update through Ledger Live
- Never install updates from emails or pop-ups
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Taking screenshots of recovery phrases
- Downloading fake Ledger Live apps
- Entering recovery phrases on a computer
- Ignoring address verification on the device
Staying vigilant is essential for long-term crypto security.
Who Should Use Ledger® Live Desktop®?
Ledger Live Desktop is ideal for:
- Long-term crypto holders
- Security-conscious investors
- Users managing multiple assets
- Anyone seeking full ownership of crypto
Final Thoughts: Why Ledger Live Desktop® Matters
Ledger® Live Desktop® combines best-in-class security, ease of use, and full asset control in one official application. By pairing Ledger Live with a Ledger hardware wallet, users gain true ownership of their crypto without relying on centralized platforms.