Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started™ | Official Ledger …

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— 5 min read

Ledger® Live Desktop® is the official companion application for managing crypto assets with Ledger hardware wallets. Designed for security, clarity, and full control, it allows you to buy, sell, swap, stake, and manage thousands of digital assets—while keeping private keys safely offline on your Ledger device. This comprehensive getting-started guide walks you through everything you need to know to install Ledger Live Desktop, set up your device, manage accounts, and use advanced features with confidence.

1. What Is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is a secure application for Windows, macOS, and Linux that connects directly to Ledger hardware wallets. Instead of storing private keys on your computer, Ledger Live acts as a control center while the hardware wallet performs all sensitive cryptographic operations. This architecture significantly reduces exposure to malware and phishing attempts.

Key purposes of Ledger Live Desktop:

  • Initialize and manage Ledger devices
  • Install and manage blockchain apps on the device
  • Create and monitor crypto accounts
  • Send, receive, buy, sell, and swap assets
  • Stake supported cryptocurrencies
  • Track portfolio performance in real time

2. System Requirements and Compatibility

Before installing Ledger Live Desktop, ensure your system meets the minimum requirements.

Supported operating systems:

  • Windows 10 or newer (64-bit)
  • macOS 11 or newer
  • Linux (Ubuntu-based distributions recommended)

Hardware requirements:

  • Stable internet connection
  • USB port (USB-A or USB-C depending on device)
  • Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or compatible Ledger device

Ledger Live Desktop does not support mobile operating systems; for phones and tablets, Ledger Live Mobile is available separately.

3. Downloading Ledger Live Desktop Safely

Always download Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger source. This is critical to avoid counterfeit or malicious software that could compromise your assets.

Best practices when downloading:

  • Verify the website URL carefully
  • Avoid third-party download sites
  • Keep your operating system and antivirus software updated
  • Never download Ledger Live from email links or ads

Once downloaded, install the application as you would any standard desktop program for your operating system.

4. Installing and Launching the Application

After installation, launch Ledger Live Desktop. On first launch, you will be greeted with a welcome screen asking whether you already have a Ledger device or need to set one up.

You will also be asked to allow Ledger Live to collect anonymous analytics. This is optional and does not affect security or functionality.

5. Setting Up Your Ledger Device

If this is your first time using a Ledger hardware wallet, Ledger Live will guide you through device setup.

Steps include:

  1. Connecting the Ledger device to your computer via USB
  2. Choosing to set up as a new device or restore an existing wallet
  3. Creating a PIN code directly on the device
  4. Generating and recording the 24-word recovery phrase

Important security reminder:
Your recovery phrase must be written down offline and stored securely. Never take photos, store it digitally, or share it with anyone. Ledger will never ask for it.

6. Verifying Device Authenticity

Ledger Live Desktop automatically checks whether your connected device is genuine. This authenticity check ensures that the Secure Element chip inside the hardware wallet has not been tampered with and is running trusted firmware.

If the check passes, you can safely proceed. If it fails, stop immediately and contact official Ledger support.

7. Installing Apps on Your Ledger Device

Each cryptocurrency requires a specific app to be installed on your Ledger device.

Using Ledger Live Desktop:

  • Open the Manager section
  • Allow the connection on your Ledger device
  • Browse available blockchain apps
  • Install or uninstall apps as needed

Installing or removing apps does not affect your funds. Assets are stored on the blockchain, not inside the app itself.

8. Adding Accounts

Once apps are installed, you can add accounts to Ledger Live Desktop.

How it works:

  • Select Accounts
  • Click Add account
  • Choose the cryptocurrency
  • Open the corresponding app on your Ledger device
  • Ledger Live synchronizes blockchain data and creates the account view

You can add multiple accounts for the same asset, which is useful for organizing funds or separating long-term holdings from daily use.

9. Sending and Receiving Crypto

Ledger Live Desktop makes transactions straightforward while keeping security at the forefront.

Receiving assets:

  • Select an account
  • Click Receive
  • Verify the address on both Ledger Live and the device screen
  • Share the verified address with the sender

Sending assets:

  • Select an account
  • Click Send
  • Enter the recipient address and amount
  • Review transaction details
  • Physically confirm the transaction on your Ledger device

Transactions are never approved without manual confirmation on the hardware wallet.

10. Buying, Selling, and Swapping Assets

Ledger Live Desktop integrates with trusted third-party providers, allowing you to buy, sell, and swap cryptocurrencies directly within the app.

Key advantages:

  • Assets remain under your control
  • No need to transfer funds to centralized exchanges
  • Transparent fees before confirmation

Availability of services may vary depending on your country and local regulations.

11. Staking and Earning Rewards

Ledger Live Desktop supports staking for several cryptocurrencies, enabling you to earn rewards while maintaining custody of your assets.

Common supported assets include:

  • Ethereum (via staking services)
  • Solana
  • Polkadot
  • Tezos
  • Cosmos

Staking is initiated through the app, but all approvals still require confirmation on your Ledger device.

12. Portfolio Tracking and Insights

The Portfolio section gives a real-time overview of your holdings, including:

  • Total balance across all accounts
  • Individual asset allocation
  • Historical performance charts
  • Market value in your preferred fiat currency

This makes Ledger Live Desktop not just a wallet manager, but also a comprehensive crypto dashboard.

13. Firmware Updates and Maintenance

Ledger periodically releases firmware updates to enhance security, add features, and support new assets.

Updating safely:

  • Use only Ledger Live Desktop
  • Ensure your recovery phrase is backed up
  • Follow on-screen instructions carefully
  • Never disconnect the device during updates

Keeping firmware up to date is one of the most important security practices.

14. Advanced Security Practices

To maximize safety when using Ledger Live Desktop:

  • Lock your computer when not in use
  • Use a strong system password
  • Avoid installing unknown browser extensions
  • Verify addresses on the device screen every time
  • Beware of phishing emails pretending to be Ledger

Remember, Ledger Live will never request your recovery phrase.

15. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Some common issues users encounter include:

  • Device not recognized
  • App installation errors
  • Synchronization delays

Most problems can be resolved by:

  • Using a different USB cable or port
  • Updating Ledger Live Desktop
  • Restarting the device and computer
  • Checking that the correct app is open on the Ledger device

Ledger Live also includes built-in help resources for guided troubleshooting.

16. Privacy and Data Control

Ledger Live Desktop is designed with privacy in mind. Private keys never leave your hardware wallet, and personal data collection is minimal and optional.

You maintain full control over:

  • Your assets
  • Your transaction approvals
  • Your recovery phrase
  • Your device access

17. Why Choose Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop combines usability with industry-leading security. It is ideal for both beginners and experienced crypto users who want a single, reliable interface for managing digital assets without compromising control.

Key benefits:

  • Offline key security
  • Broad asset support
  • Integrated services
  • Transparent transaction verification
  • Continuous updates and improvements

18. Final Thoughts

Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started™ is more than just an installation guide; it represents a shift toward true ownership in the digital asset world. By combining a trusted hardware wallet with a powerful desktop application, Ledger empowers users to manage cryptocurrencies safely, independently, and confidently.

Whether you are holding long-term investments, actively trading, or exploring staking opportunities, Ledger Live Desktop provides the tools you need—without sacrificing security. With proper setup and best practices, it becomes a cornerstone of a secure crypto journey.

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