Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started™

Ledger® Live: Desktop® is the official application designed to help you securely manage your crypto assets using a Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you’re new to crypto or an experienced holder, Ledger Live provides a safe, intuitive, and powerful way to buy, sell, stake, and manage digital assets—all while keeping your private keys offline. This getting started guide will walk you through the essentials so you can confidently begin using Ledger Live on your desktop.

What Is Ledger® Live: Desktop®?

Ledger Live: Desktop® is a companion app for Ledger hardware wallets such as Ledger Nano S Plus® and Ledger Nano X®. Unlike web wallets or exchanges, Ledger Live works hand-in-hand with your hardware device, ensuring your private keys never leave your wallet. The desktop version is ideal for users who want a larger interface, advanced portfolio tracking, and direct access to multiple crypto services in one place.

System Requirements and Installation

To get started, download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website to avoid phishing or fake software. Ledger Live: Desktop® is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

After downloading:

  1. Install the application following the on-screen instructions.
  2. Open Ledger Live and choose “Get Started.”
  3. Select your Ledger device model and follow the setup flow.

If your device is new, Ledger Live will guide you through initializing it and creating a PIN and recovery phrase. If you already have a Ledger wallet, you can simply connect and verify it.

Setting Up Your Ledger Wallet

When prompted, connect your Ledger device to your computer via USB. Ledger Live will check the authenticity of your device to ensure it’s a genuine Ledger product. This step is crucial for security.

You’ll then:

  • Create or confirm your PIN
  • Securely write down your 24-word recovery phrase
  • Confirm the recovery phrase on your device

⚠️ Important: Never share your recovery phrase with anyone and never store it digitally.

Adding Accounts and Managing Assets

Once setup is complete, you can start adding crypto accounts. Ledger Live supports thousands of coins and tokens, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and many ERC-20 tokens.

To add an account:

  1. Go to the Accounts tab
  2. Select Add Account
  3. Choose your cryptocurrency
  4. Install the relevant app on your Ledger device if prompted

Your portfolio dashboard will then display balances, price changes, and overall performance in real time.

Features You Can Use Right Away

Ledger Live: Desktop® offers more than just storage:

  • Buy & Sell Crypto directly within the app
  • Stake Assets like ETH, SOL, and ADA
  • Send & Receive Crypto securely
  • Track Portfolio Performance
  • Manage Apps and Firmware Updates

All transactions must be physically approved on your Ledger device, adding an extra layer of protection.

Final Thoughts

Ledger® Live: Desktop® is a trusted and user-friendly gateway to managing your digital assets securely. By combining robust desktop functionality with Ledger’s industry-leading hardware security, it empowers you to take full control of your crypto—safely and independently. Whether you’re holding long-term or actively managing assets, Ledger Live is a strong foundation for your crypto journey.