Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started

Ledger® Live: Desktop® is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets, designed to help you securely manage, grow, and track your crypto assets from your computer. Whether you’re new to crypto or an experienced holder, Ledger Live Desktop provides a clean, secure interface to manage your portfolio while keeping your private keys offline. This guide walks you through the basics to get started smoothly.

What Is Ledger® Live: Desktop®?

Ledger Live Desktop is a free application for Windows, macOS, and Linux that connects directly to your Ledger hardware wallet (such as Ledger Nano S Plus® or Ledger Nano X®). It allows you to:

  • Check balances and portfolio performance
  • Send and receive cryptocurrencies
  • Install and manage apps on your Ledger device
  • Buy, sell, swap, and stake supported assets
  • Update device firmware securely

All sensitive actions must be physically confirmed on your Ledger device, adding an extra layer of security.

Step 1: Download and Install

To begin, download Ledger Live Desktop from Ledger’s official website only. This is critical to avoid phishing or fake software.

After downloading:

  1. Install the application on your computer.
  2. Open Ledger Live Desktop.
  3. Choose “Get Started” and select your Ledger device model.

Ledger Live will guide you through a brief checklist to ensure your device is genuine and secure.

Step 2: Set Up or Connect Your Ledger Device

If your Ledger device is new, Ledger Live will walk you through the setup process, including:

  • Creating a PIN code
  • Generating and securely backing up your 24-word recovery phrase

If you already have a Ledger device, simply connect it via USB and unlock it with your PIN. Ledger Live Desktop will detect the device and verify its authenticity.

Important: Never share your recovery phrase with anyone. Ledger will never ask for it.

Step 3: Install Apps and Add Accounts

Each cryptocurrency requires its own app on your Ledger device.

  1. Go to the “My Ledger” section in Ledger Live Desktop.
  2. Allow the connection on your Ledger device.
  3. Install the apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).

Once apps are installed:

  • Navigate to “Accounts”
  • Click “Add Account”
  • Select the cryptocurrency and follow the prompts

Ledger Live will synchronize with the blockchain and display your balances.

Step 4: Send, Receive, and Manage Crypto

Receiving crypto is simple:

  • Choose an account
  • Click “Receive”
  • Verify the address on both Ledger Live and your device
  • Share the address with the sender

To send crypto:

  • Select “Send”
  • Enter the recipient’s address and amount
  • Confirm the transaction details on your Ledger device

Ledger Live Desktop also supports staking, swapping, and buying crypto directly within the app, depending on your region and asset.

Staying Secure

Ledger Live Desktop is built with security first, but best practices matter:

  • Always verify transaction details on your Ledger device
  • Keep Ledger Live and device firmware up to date
  • Store your recovery phrase offline in a safe place

Final Thoughts

Ledger® Live: Desktop® makes managing crypto straightforward without compromising security. By combining an intuitive desktop interface with hardware-level protection, it offers peace of mind for anyone serious about safeguarding digital assets. Once set up, Ledger Live becomes a powerful hub for securely managing your crypto portfolio—all from your desktop.