Ledger Live Desktop — Getting Started | Official |Ledger Wallet
Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application from Ledger that lets you securely manage your cryptocurrency using your Ledger hardware wallet. It works on Windows, macOS, and Linux and keeps your private keys protected offline on your Ledger device.
1. What Is Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop is the main software you use with your Ledger hardware wallet. It lets you:
✅ Track your crypto portfolio in real time
✅ Send and receive cryptocurrency
✅ Buy, sell, swap, and stake supported assets
✅ Install blockchain apps on your Ledger hardware device
✅ View NFTs and connect to Web3 apps securely
Importantly, your private keys never leave your Ledger device — Ledger Live only interfaces with the device to sign transactions, never stores or exposes your seed phrase or keys on your computer.
2. Before You Begin — Safety & Requirements
📌 Security first
Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website via ledger.com/start. Phishing sites and fake download links are common and can lead to stolen funds.
✔ Supported systems:
- Windows (10 or newer)
- macOS (10.14 or newer)
- Linux (AppImage or compatible distro)
✔ You’ll also need:
- A Ledger hardware wallet (e.g., Nano X, Nano S Plus, Ledger Stax)
- A USB cable (or Bluetooth for some devices)
- A secure place to write down your recovery phrase
- An internet connection for downloads and updates
3. Download & Install Ledger Live Desktop
- Go to https://www.ledger.com/start — this is the official Ledger onboarding portal.
- Choose your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux).
- Download the Ledger Live Desktop installer.
- Run the installer and follow the on‑screen instructions to complete installation.
- Launch Ledger Live Desktop after installation finishes.
⚠️ Never install Ledger Live from unofficial third‑party sites or ads — always use the official Ledger domain.
4. First Time Setup — Connect Your Ledger Device
- Connect your Ledger hardware wallet to your computer via USB.
- Open Ledger Live Desktop and click “Get Started.”
- Choose whether you’re setting up a New Device or Restoring an Existing Wallet.
- Follow the app instructions and the prompts on your device to:
- Create a secure PIN on your Ledger device
- Record your 24‑word recovery phrase offline
- Confirm your recovery phrase when prompted
- Let Ledger Live verify the device and firmware
5. Install Coin Apps & Add Accounts
Once your Ledger device is set up and paired with Ledger Live Desktop:
- Go to the Manager section in Ledger Live Desktop.
- Install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
- After installing apps, add accounts in Ledger Live to view balances and manage transactions.
6. Send, Receive & Manage Crypto
- Receive crypto: Click Receive, choose the asset, verify the address on your device, and share it.
- Send crypto: Click Send, enter the destination address and amount, and authorize the transaction on your Ledger device.
Every transaction requires on‑device confirmation, keeping your keys secure.
7. Advanced Features You Can Explore
🎯 Portfolio tracking — A consolidated view of all your assets.
📈 Staking & rewards — Stake supported cryptocurrencies directly.
💱 Swaps & buys — Integrated services let you trade or purchase assets.
🎨 NFT management — View and manage digital collectibles.
🌐 Web3 connections — Securely connect to decentralized apps with Ledger Live.
8. Security Reminders
🔐 Ledger Live will never ask for your recovery phrase — if any site or app asks for it, it’s a scam.
🛡️ Always verify every address and transaction on your Ledger device screen.
📌 Keep Ledger Live updated to benefit from the latest security patches and features.
9. Troubleshooting Tips
If you run into issues:
- Try reinstalling Ledger Live Desktop from the official page.
- Ensure your USB cable and port are working correctly.
- Visit Ledger’s official Support Center for help.