Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started™ | Official
Cryptocurrency management doesn’t have to be confusing or insecure. With the Ledger® Live: Desktop® application, users get a powerful, secure, and intuitive tool for managing digital assets right from their computer — while keeping private keys safe offline on a Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you are brand‑new to crypto or an experienced investor, this official guide will walk you through getting started, highlight key features, share best practices, and answer the most common questions.
What Is Ledger® Live: Desktop®?
Ledger Live: Desktop is the official desktop application developed by Ledger — the global leader in hardware wallet security. It serves as a complete control center for your crypto portfolio when paired with a Ledger hardware device such as:
- Ledger Nano S Plus
- Ledger Nano X
- Ledger Stax
Designed with security first, Ledger Live Desktop ensures your private keys never leave your device — they remain safely stored inside the hardware wallet, while the app helps with everything else: transactions, portfolio tracking, staking, buying, selling, and more.
📌 Official Landing Page – Ledger Live Desktop:
🔗 https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live (Download and info hub)
Why Ledger Live Desktop Matters
Crypto management tools vary widely, and not all of them prioritize security the way Ledger Live Desktop does. Here’s why this application matters for both beginners and advanced holders:
🛡️ Unmatched Security
If you’re storing digital wealth, security must be non‑negotiable. Ledger Live Desktop works in tandem with the secure hardware wallet so that private keys never touch your internet‑connected computer. Instead, transactions are prepared in the app and signed directly on your Ledger device — protecting you from malware and online threats.
📊 Full Portfolio Overview
Ledger Live Desktop provides a clear dashboard with real‑time updates on your portfolio value, asset distribution, and performance trends. You can monitor everything from Bitcoin balances to tokens across various networks, all consolidated in one place.
💱 Buy, Sell, & Swap Crypto
Inside the app, you can buy crypto using trusted third‑party partners, sell assets, or swap between supported coins — without moving your assets to and from external exchanges.
🏦 Staking and Passive Rewards
Ledger Live Desktop lets you participate in staking for supported assets like Ethereum (ETH), Tezos (XTZ), Cosmos (ATOM), and more. This means you can earn rewards while keeping your funds secure.
🖼️ NFT & Web3 Integration
For collectors and DeFi enthusiasts, Ledger Live Desktop allows for NFT viewing and management and supports secure Web3 connectivity through compatible decentralized applications — all while keeping keys safely offline.
Getting Started: Step‑by‑Step Installation & Setup
Follow these steps to securely install and set up Ledger Live Desktop:
1. Visit the Official Ledger Setup Page
Always download Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger portal to avoid phishing or fake software installers.
🔗 Official setup portal: https://www.ledger.com/start
This page guides new users to the correct desktop installation files and the safest setup instructions.
2. Download & Install Ledger Live Desktop
On the Ledger.com/start page, select the version for your operating system:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
Click the download link and follow the installer prompts. This official download ensures you get the latest, uncompromised version of the app.
📌 Direct Download Page:
🔗 https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live/download
3. Connect Your Ledger Device
Once installed, launch Ledger Live Desktop and connect your Ledger hardware wallet via USB (or Bluetooth for some models). Ledger Live will detect your device and guide you through the onboarding process.
4. Set Up or Restore Your Wallet
- New users: Select “Set up as new device”
- Existing users: Select “Restore from recovery phrase” and enter your 24‑word seed phrase securely on the device itself—not in the app.
Never enter your recovery phrase into software or websites — Ledger will never ask for it.
5. Install Blockchain Apps & Add Accounts
Inside Ledger Live Desktop, open the Manager tab to install blockchain‑specific apps (like Bitcoin or Ethereum). After installing, add accounts under the Accounts tab and begin managing them.
Security Best Practices
🔐 Keep recovery phrases offline: Always write down and securely store your 24‑word phrase offline; never upload it digitally.
🔐 Verify every transaction on your device: Make sure transaction details match on both the app and device screen before approving.
🔐 Avoid unofficial downloads: Download Ledger Live Desktop only from official sources to avoid scams and malware.
Need official support?
🔗 https://support.ledger.com/ (Ledger Support Center)
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need Ledger Live Desktop to use a Ledger hardware wallet?
Yes — Ledger Live Desktop is necessary to install apps, manage accounts, update firmware, and securely handle transactions with a Ledger device. The app itself does not store private keys.
2. Is Ledger Live Desktop free to use?
Yes. Ledger Live Desktop is free to install and use. Fees may apply only when you buy/sell crypto through integrated partners.
3. Can Ledger Live Desktop be used without a Ledger device?
You can install the app, but you cannot securely manage or sign transactions without a Ledger hardware wallet.
4. What happens if I lose my Ledger device?
If you lose the physical device, you can restore your crypto accounts on a new Ledger device using your 24‑word recovery phrase — only if it’s stored securely.
5. Does Ledger Live Desktop support NFTs and Web3 interactions?
Yes — Ledger Live Desktop supports viewing NFTs and secure Web3 interactions via compatible decentralized applications, while keys stay offline on the device.
Conclusion
Ledger Live Desktop empowers you with secure, comprehensive, and user‑friendly crypto management from your computer. By combining industry‑leading security practices with powerful features like portfolio tracking, staking, trading, and more — it’s a cornerstone tool for anyone serious about protecting and growing their crypto holdings. By always using official Ledger resources and staying vigilant with security best practices, you can manage your crypto portfolio with confidence and peace of mind.