Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started | official Ledger Wallet™ App
1. Introduction: What Is Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop is the official application by Ledger designed to work with Ledger hardware wallets (like the Nano S Plus, Nano X, and Ledger Stax). It provides a secure interface for managing cryptocurrencies, NFTs, staking, and interacting with Web3 — all while keeping private keys offline in your hardware wallet. Ledger+1
At its core, Ledger Live Desktop acts as a management hub that connects your offline Ledger device to the blockchain. You can:
- Track your full crypto portfolio in real time
- Send, receive, and swap crypto
- Buy and sell supported cryptocurrencies
- Stake assets for rewards
- View and manage NFTs
- Install blockchain apps on your Ledger device
- Update device firmware
- Connect safely to Web3 dApps
Unlike mobile or browser-only wallets, Ledger Live Desktop runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux as a standalone desktop application with robust security. Ledger+1
2. Why Use Ledger Live Desktop?
Security First
The biggest advantage of Ledger Live Desktop is that it never exposes your private keys. Keys remain in your Ledger device’s secure chip and are never transferred to your computer or the internet. Transaction signing always happens on the device itself. Ledger Live Desktop
Key security principles:
- Private keys stay offline (cold storage)
- All operations require on-device confirmation
- Ledger Live will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase
- Software is signed and verified to prevent tampering
- The desktop app does local signing and validation before broadcast
This makes it significantly more secure than software wallets alone. Ledger Live Desktop
Unified Management
Ledger Live Desktop brings all your crypto management into a single dashboard:
- Portfolio Overview with real-time price updates
- Transaction history
- Swap and exchange services integrated inside the app
- Asset performance charts
- Staking dashboards and rewards
- NFT galleries and details
- Web3 integration for decentralized apps
Whether you are a beginner or advanced user, this comprehensive interface simplifies crypto management while maintaining professional-grade security. Liveledegr
3. System Requirements & Safety Checklist
Supported Platforms
- Windows: 10 and above
- macOS: 10.14 and higher
- Linux: Ubuntu-based and many major distributions
- USB connection required for hardware wallets (Bluetooth is supported only with mobile Ledger Live for certain devices) Liveledegr
Safety Checklist Before You Start
- Buy only official Ledger devices from ledger.com or authorized resellers
- Download Ledger Live Desktop only from the official source (ledger.com/start)
- Have a secure physical place to record your recovery phrase — ledger provides a recovery sheet
- Update your operating system and security software before installing
- Avoid public/shared computers when managing crypto Ledger+1
⚠️ Security Warning: Crypto fraudsters often create fake Ledger Live installers to steal funds. Always verify that you are on the official Ledger website and never enter your recovery phrase into any software or website. TechRadar
4. Step-by-Step: How to Install Ledger Live Desktop
Step 1 — Download From Official Website
Go to the official Ledger onboarding page:
👉 https://ledger.com/start
Then select the Ledger Live Desktop download for your operating system. Ledger
Step 2 — Install the App
Follow the setup wizard for your OS:
Windows: double-click the .exe file
macOS: open the .dmg and drag the app to your Applications folder
Linux: use the AppImage or DEB file
Then launch Ledger Live Desktop. Ledger Live Desktop Getting Started
Step 3 — App Onboarding
When you open Ledger Live for the first time:
- Click “Get Started”
- Choose your Ledger model
- Follow the prompts for setup or restore
- Connect your Ledger device via USB
- Let Ledger Live verify it and check for firmware updates Ledger
5. Initial Ledger Hardware Setup
If you’re using a new Ledger wallet for the first time, Ledger Live Desktop will guide you through physical device setup:
Create Your PIN
On the Ledger device screen, choose a secure PIN that you can remember. This protects your device from unauthorized use. Ledger
Generate & Store Your Recovery Phrase
After the PIN, the Ledger device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase — your backup.
Write it down on the supplied recovery sheet and store it offline! Ledger Live will never ask for it. Ledger
If you lose your Ledger device, the 24-word phrase is the only way to recover your funds. Ledger
6. Installing Crypto Apps & Adding Accounts
Step 1 — Install Blockchain Apps
Inside Ledger Live Desktop, go to Manager.
There, you will see a list of supported blockchain apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). Click Install next to the ones you want. Liveledegr
These small apps let the Ledger device derive and manage coins securely.
Step 2 — Add Accounts
After installation, navigate to Accounts.
Click Add account, then select the cryptocurrency. Ledger Live will sync your Ledger device with the app and display your balances. Liveledegr
7. Using Ledger Live Desktop: Core Features
Portfolio Dashboard
Get a clear view of your portfolio value, asset allocation, price movements, and performance charts in one place. Liveledegr
Send & Receive Crypto
- Click Receive
- Choose the account
- Verify the address on your Ledger device
- Share it to receive funds securely
For sending:
- Enter the destination and amount
- Confirm on your Ledger device screen before broadcast Liveledegr
Swap & Buy Crypto
Ledger Live partners with trusted third-party services so you can:
- Swap tokens within the app
- Buy crypto with fiat via supported payment services desktop-live-ledger.teachable.com
Staking Rewards
Support for staking coins like ETH, DOT, XTZ, and others lets you earn passive income directly in Ledger Live. Liveledegr
NFT Management
View and manage Ethereum and Polygon NFT collections securely. desktop-live-ledger.teachable.com
Web3 and dApp Access
Use Ledger Live with WalletConnect or browser integrations to interact with decentralized applications while keeping your private keys offline. desktop-live-ledger.teachable.com
8. Advanced Security & Best Practices
Your crypto security depends heavily on correct practices — Ledger Live provides tools, but you must follow best practices:
Never Enter Your Recovery Phrase
Your 24-word seed is your sole backup. Ledger Live or Ledger support will never ask for it. Ledger Live Desktop
Verify Installers & Software
Check checksums and always download from the official Ledger site. Ledger Live Desktop
Keep Software Updated
Ledger Live and device firmware receive updates for security and compatibility. Apply them promptly. Ledger Live
Use Strong PINs and Optional Passphrases
Combine strong PINs with optional passphrases for extra protection — but be cautious: losing the passphrase means losing access. Ledger Live
Confirm Transactions On Device
Review all address and amount details on your Ledger device screen to protect against malware. Ledger Live Desktop
Store Recovery Phrase Offline
Write on paper or use a metal backup resistant to fire/water — digital storage can be hacked. Ledger Live
9. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with official software, you might encounter issues. Here’s how to handle them safely:
Ledger Live Not Launching
Reinstall from the official site or clear the Ledger Live app cache. Ledger
Device Not Detected
Try the original USB cable, install drivers, or try different USB ports. Ledger
Firmware Update Fails
Restart Ledger Live and the device then try again. Ledger
App Lag or Freezing
Update to the latest Ledger Live version or reinstall the app. Ledger
10. Final Thoughts
Ledger Live Desktop is the official, secure, and powerful way to manage your Ledger hardware wallet on your computer. By following the official setup flow, adhering to best security practices, and using the tools provided, you can confidently track, send, receive, trade, and grow your crypto securely — all while keeping full control of your private keys. Ledger