Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started™

Welcome to the official guide for Ledger® Live Desktop®, the secure companion application designed to help you manage, protect, and grow your digital assets with confidence. This guide walks you through everything from installation to advanced portfolio management — all in one place.

What Is Ledger® Live Desktop®?

Ledger® Live Desktop® is an all-in-one application that allows users to interact securely with their Ledger® hardware wallet. Acting as a trusted interface, it enables asset management without ever exposing private keys to the internet.

The desktop version is particularly favored for its enhanced visibility, larger interface, and advanced portfolio tools. Whether you are new to crypto or an experienced investor, Ledger Live Desktop provides clarity and control.

Unlike browser-based tools, Ledger® Live Desktop® runs locally on your computer, reducing attack surfaces and giving you a safer environment to review transactions, manage accounts, and verify addresses.

Key Advantages

  • Local desktop execution for higher trust
  • Direct hardware wallet integration
  • Unified asset dashboard
  • Official Ledger® software ecosystem

Installing Ledger® Live on Desktop

Installing Ledger® Live Desktop® is a straightforward process designed for reliability and authenticity. Always ensure you are using the official Ledger source when downloading the application.

Ledger Live supports major operating systems, including Windows®, macOS®, and Linux®. Each version is optimized to deliver consistent performance while maintaining strict security standards.

Installation Flow

  • Download the official desktop installer
  • Verify the application integrity
  • Launch Ledger® Live Desktop®
  • Proceed to device connection

Once installed, the application guides you through initial checks, ensuring your environment is safe before continuing.

The desktop installation process emphasizes clarity and transparency. Visual prompts, step-by-step guidance, and confirmation screens help users avoid misconfiguration.

Setting Up Your Ledger® Device

After launching Ledger® Live Desktop®, the next step is connecting your Ledger® hardware wallet. This process ensures the application recognizes your device securely.

Users can choose to initialize a new device or connect an existing one. Ledger Live never stores your recovery phrase, and all sensitive actions must be physically confirmed on the device.

During Setup You Will:

  • Confirm device authenticity
  • Install required crypto apps
  • Create or restore accounts
  • Verify addresses on-screen

This design ensures you remain in full control throughout the entire setup journey.

The mirrored layout of Ledger® Live Desktop® provides helpful explanations alongside each step, allowing users to understand not just what to do, but why it matters.

Security by Design

Ledger® Live Desktop® is built around a security-first philosophy. Transactions must be verified on your physical Ledger® device, ensuring protection even if your computer is compromised.

The application itself does not hold private keys. Instead, it acts as a secure visual layer between you and the blockchain.

Core Security Principles

  • Offline private key storage
  • On-device transaction approval
  • Clear transaction verification
  • Open security architecture

Regular updates keep Ledger® Live aligned with the latest security improvements and supported networks.

Desktop users benefit from a larger interface that makes reviewing transaction details easier, reducing the risk of human error.

Powerful Desktop Features

Ledger® Live Desktop® is more than a wallet interface. It offers a complete ecosystem for managing digital assets efficiently.

Included Capabilities

  • Portfolio tracking with real-time valuation
  • Account and asset organization
  • Send and receive with verification
  • App management for supported coins

The desktop experience is ideal for users who prefer detailed views, keyboard navigation, and extended workflows.

By combining usability with strict security controls, Ledger® Live Desktop® allows users to interact confidently with blockchain networks.

Support & Ongoing Use

Ledger® Live Desktop® includes built-in guidance, notifications, and educational prompts to help users stay informed.

From software updates to new asset support, the application evolves continuously to meet user needs.

Always keep your application updated and verify actions on your Ledger® device to maintain the highest level of protection.

With consistent updates and a strong focus on user safety, Ledger® Live Desktop® remains a trusted choice for long-term digital asset management.