Ledger Live Desktop — Getting Started | Official Ledger Wallet

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application designed to help you securely manage your cryptocurrency assets in conjunction with your Ledger hardware wallet. With Ledger Live Desktop, beginners and experienced crypto holders alike can view and control their portfolio, send and receive crypto, stake assets, manage NFTs, and update device firmware — all with industry‑leading security.

In this guide you’ll learn what Ledger Live Desktop is, how to set it up safely, how to use its key features, and best practices to keep your funds secure.

1. What Is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the desktop version of Ledger’s official wallet interface. It’s a non‑custodial application — meaning only you control your crypto assets — and it is meant to be used alongside a Ledger hardware wallet (like Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or Ledger Stax).

Unlike web wallets that store private keys online, Ledger Live Desktop lets you prepare transactions and sign them only after confirming them on your Ledger device’s screen — so your private keys never leave the hardware wallet.

You can download Ledger Live Desktop on:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux

This gives you a powerful, secure environment to manage crypto locally on your computer.

2. Why Use Ledger Live Desktop?

There are many advantages of using Ledger Live Desktop over other wallet solutions:

🔐 Security You Can Trust

Your private keys remain completely offline, stored only inside your Ledger hardware wallet. Every transaction — whether sending crypto, swapping tokens, or staking — must be verified physically on your device.

This hardware‑backed security drastically reduces the risk of theft from remote hackers or compromised desktop software.

📊 Full Portfolio Management

Ledger Live Desktop doesn’t just store your assets — it helps you track your entire portfolio in real time, with live pricing, balances in your local currency, and historical performance charts.

You get an intuitive dashboard where you can see all your holdings at once.

🔄 All‑in‑One Crypto Operations

With Ledger Live Desktop, you can:

  • Buy crypto via integrated providers
  • Swap between tokens instantly
  • Send and receive coins
  • Stake supported assets to earn rewards
  • Manage NFTs
  • Install blockchain apps on your hardware wallet

💻 Desktop‑Exclusive Power Features

The desktop app provides a fuller, more stable experience than mobile, with richer analytics and multitasking power tailored for desktop workflows.

3. Safety First: Security Checklist

Before you start with Ledger Live Desktop, follow this official security checklist:

✔ Buy your Ledger device only from Ledger.com or an authorized reseller — counterfeit devices exist.
✔ Never download Ledger Live Desktop from unofficial sources. Always go to Ledger.com/start for the safe, official installer.
✔ Your Ledger recovery phrase (24 words) should never be entered into a computer, website, or app. Only input it directly on the Ledger device when restoring.
✔ Write down your recovery phrase on paper or a physical backup (like steel) — don’t take photos or store it digitally.
✔ Always verify wallet addresses and transaction amounts on your device screen before confirming.

These safeguards ensure you maintain total ownership and protection of your keys and funds.

4. Downloading and Installing Ledger Live Desktop

To get started with Ledger Live Desktop:

  1. Visit the official Ledger setup page: https://www.ledger.com/start.
  2. Select your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
  3. Download the Ledger Live Desktop installer.
  4. Open the installer file and follow the on‑screen instructions to install.

👉 Important: Ledger provides checksums and cryptographic signatures for installers — you can use these to verify that the file is authentic.

Once installed, launch Ledger Live Desktop — you should see a welcome screen prompting you to “Get Started.”

5. Initial Setup: Pairing Your Ledger Wallet

After installing Ledger Live Desktop, follow these steps:

Step 1: Connect Your Ledger Device

Use the USB cable included with your device to connect your Ledger to your computer.
Ledger Live Desktop should auto‑detect it.

Step 2: Get Started in Ledger Live

Click “Get Started” in Ledger Live Desktop, then:

  • Choose “Set up as new device” if this is your first time
  • Or choose “Restore device” if you already have a 24‑word recovery phrase

Step 3: On‑Device Setup

On your Ledger hardware wallet:

  1. Create a secure PIN (4–8 digits).
  2. The device will generate a 24‑word recovery phrase.
  3. Write each word down in order — this is your only backup if your device is lost or damaged.

Ledger Live Desktop should then connect to your device and confirm it’s genuine before moving on.

⚠️ Ledger Live Desktop will never ask for your 24‑word recovery phrase directly. If asked anywhere outside the device itself, that’s a scam.

6. Installing Apps and Adding Accounts

Once your device is initialized:

  1. Open Ledger Live Desktop.
  2. Navigate to the Manager tab.
  3. Install blockchain apps for the coins you want to use (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
  4. Go to Add Accounts and choose the assets you want to manage.
  5. Ledger Live Desktop will sync addresses and balances automatically.

This allows you to interact with multiple chains from one hub, all while private keys stay on your device.

7. Core Features of Ledger Live Desktop

Here’s how to use the main functionalities inside Ledger Live Desktop:

🪙 Portfolio Dashboard

  • View total holdings
  • See live pricing and performance charts
  • Analyze historical gains and losses

💱 Send & Receive Crypto

  • Click Receive → choose an asset → verify address on device.
  • Click Send → enter recipient and amount → confirm on device.
    Transactions always require on‑device approval.

🔁 Buy, Swap & Sell

Ledger Live integrates third‑party providers so you can buy and sell crypto using credit cards or bank transfers without leaving the app. Swaps let you exchange one token for another instantly.

🌱 Staking

Stake supported assets like Ethereum, Solana, Tezos, Cosmos, or Polkadot. Track rewards and manage delegations within the app.

🖼️ NFT Management

View and send NFTs (e.g., on Ethereum and Polygon) directly in Ledger Live Desktop. No external web platforms needed.

🔁 Firmware & App Updates

Ledger Live Desktop alerts you when firmware updates are available and helps you install them securely. It also helps manage apps on your Ledger wallet.

8. Best Practices for Ongoing Use

Backup Your Recovery Phrase

Your 24‑word phrase is the key to your funds. Store it securely (offline only) and never share it.

Verify Addresses Carefully

Always check that the address shown in Ledger Live Desktop matches the address shown on your Ledger device screen before approving.

Use Updated Software

Keep both Ledger Live Desktop and your Ledger device firmware up to date to benefit from security patches and new features.

Beware of Scams

Only install Ledger Live Desktop from official sources. Fake installers and spoofed websites are commonly used in crypto phishing scams.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need Ledger Live Desktop to use my Ledger wallet?
Yes — it’s required to install apps and interact with accounts.

Q: Can I use Ledger Live Desktop and mobile together?
Yes, both can be used provided your Ledger device is connected or paired.

Q: Is Ledger Live Desktop free?
Yes, it is free to download and use.

Q: Can Ledger Live Desktop lose my crypto?
No — funds are controlled by your recovery phrase and hardware wallet, not Ledger Live Desktop itself.

10. Conclusion

Ledger Live Desktop is the official, most secure way to interact with your Ledger wallet on a desktop computer. It combines powerful crypto tools with unmatched security practices — allowing you to track, manage, and grow your digital asset portfolio from one intuitive hub.

Whether you’re a beginner setting up your first hardware wallet or an advanced user managing multiple assets, Ledger Live Desktop is the foundation of your Ledger crypto experience. Always download it from https://www.ledger.com/start, follow the security checklist, and take full control of your digital assets with the peace of mind that only Ledger Live Desktop can deliver.