Ledger Live Desktop — Getting Started | Official Ledger Wallet

Ledger Live Desktop is the official, secure application developed by Ledger to help you manage your Ledger hardware wallet and cryptocurrencies from your computer. Whether you’re brand new to crypto or upgrading from a mobile wallet, this guide walks you through every essential step — from downloading and installing Ledger Live to using advanced features like staking, portfolio tracking, and NFT management.

1. What Is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the desktop companion app that pairs with your Ledger hardware wallet (like the Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Ledger Stax) to securely manage your crypto assets. It’s an integrated management hub that connects your device to the blockchain while ensuring your private keys remain offline in the Ledger’s Secure Element, a hardware‑grade secure chip.

Unlike custodial wallets or web wallets, Ledger Live Desktop gives you full control over your accounts and keys. You can track balances, send and receive crypto, stake assets, manage NFTs, and install or update blockchain apps — all with transactions signed on the hardware device itself.

2. System Requirements & Compatibility

Before downloading Ledger Live Desktop, make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements and that you’re prepared with an official Ledger device.

Supported Operating Systems

  • Windows — Windows 10 and newer
  • macOS — macOS 10.14 and above
  • Linux — Linux distributions with AppImage support (e.g., Ubuntu)

Ledger Live Desktop is designed for reliable performance across platforms. If your system is older or lower on storage/RAM, you may encounter slower performance — but generally, any modern desktop environment should support the app.

3. Why Only Download From the Official Source

Security is paramount when managing private keys and crypto wallets. Ledger warns users not to download Ledger Live Desktop from search engine ads or third‑party websites, because scammers often host fake installers that can steal recovery phrases or install malware.

👉 Always start at the official Ledger onboarding portal:
https://ledger.com/start — this ensures you’re getting the real Ledger Live Desktop installer with no tampering.

4. Step‑by‑Step: Download & Install Ledger Live Desktop

Getting started begins with a secure download and clean installation.

Step 1 — Visit the Official Onboarding Site

Go to ledger.com/start and select your Ledger hardware wallet model. This gateway provides verified download links for Ledger Live Desktop tailored to your operating system.

Step 2 — Download the Installer

Choose the version for your platform:

  • Windows (.exe)
  • macOS (.dmg)
  • Linux (.AppImage)

Ledger Live Desktop installers are typically around 150‑200 MB, and the official portal ensures you get the correct file.

Step 3 — Install the App

Once downloaded, open the installer, allow any requested permissions (such as USB access), and follow on‑screen prompts. After installation, launch Ledger Live Desktop.

5. First Time Setup: Pairing Your Ledger Device

When you open Ledger Live Desktop, it will launch a setup wizard that walks you through connecting your hardware wallet and initializing or restoring your wallet.

Connect Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

  • Use the USB cable included with your Ledger device.
  • Ledger Live Desktop should automatically detect the device after it’s connected.

Get Started in Ledger Live Desktop

Once your Ledger is recognized:

  1. Click “Get Started”
  2. Choose:
    • “Set up as new device” if you’re initializing a fresh wallet
    • “Restore from recovery phrase” if you already have a 24‑word seed

On‑Device PIN Setup

On the physical Ledger screen:

  1. Select a PIN (4–8 digits)
  2. Write it down — this PIN unlocks your Ledger and encrypts access

Never set a simple or guessable PIN. Strong PINs protect your device if it’s lost or stolen.

Recovery Phrase Generation

The device will generate a 24‑word recovery phrase. You must write down these words in exact order and store them offline — never on your phone, computer, or cloud service. This phrase is the only backup of your wallet.

Verify Your Recovery

To ensure accuracy, Ledger Live Desktop will prompt you to confirm random words from your recovery phrase on the device. This confirmation step reduces the risk of miswritten backups.

6. Installing Blockchain Apps on Your Ledger Device

After pairing your device, Ledger Live Desktop lets you install apps for specific blockchains.

Why Install Apps?

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and others require blockchain‑specific code on the Ledger device so it can derive addresses and sign transactions.

Using the Manager Tab

  1. Open Ledger Live Desktop
  2. Go to Manager
  3. Choose apps to install for coins you intend to use

Each app you install enables support for that blockchain’s accounts and transaction types.

7. Adding Accounts in Ledger Live Desktop

Once apps are installed, the next step is to add accounts to track and manage your assets.

How to Add an Account

  1. Go to Accounts
  2. Click Add account
  3. Select the cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum)
  4. Ledger Live will sync addresses and display balances

You can add as many accounts as your Ledger supports — each with real‑time updates and historical transaction data.

8. Sending & Receiving Crypto Safely

Ledger Live Desktop makes transactions intuitive — but security rules always apply.

Receiving Crypto

  1. Click Receive
  2. Select the account
  3. Connect and unlock your Ledger device
  4. Verify the address on the device’s screen — this step prevents malware from altering addresses

Sending Crypto

  1. Click Send
  2. Enter destination address and amount
  3. Connect Ledger, then confirm and sign on the device

Always verify transaction details on the Ledger device screen, not just on your computer. This on‑device verification is the cornerstone of secure signing.

9. Advanced Features of Ledger Live Desktop

Ledger Live Desktop is more than a basic wallet — it provides a full suite of portfolio tools.

Portfolio Tracking

View your asset distribution, watch price changes, and analyze historical performance across all your accounts.

Staking & Rewards

Stake supported Proof‑of‑Stake coins (e.g., Tezos, Ethereum, Polkadot) within Ledger Live Desktop to earn rewards while keeping keys secure.

Buy, Sell, and Swap

Ledger Live integrates with trusted partners for buying, selling, and swapping assets directly in the app. Liquidity is provided by external services, while your keys remain offline.

NFT Management

Manage supported NFTs (such as Ethereum or Polygon collections) inside Ledger Live Desktop. This includes viewing and transferring digital collectibles.

Firmware Updates

Ledger Live Desktop notifies you of firmware upgrades. Updating your device keeps it secure and compatible with new features.

10. Security & Best Practices

Security is central to the Ledger Live experience. Here’s how to keep your assets safe:

  • Never enter your recovery phrase online: Ledger Live will never ask for your 24‑word seed. If any app or site asks for it, it’s a scam.
  • Verify all transaction details on the device screen every time you send crypto.
  • Keep Ledger Live Desktop updated — updates include patches and security improvements.
  • Use a secure, dedicated computer — avoid public or shared machines when managing funds.
  • Consider a metal recovery backup — paper can degrade or be lost; a metal backup offers better protection.

11. Troubleshooting Common Issues

If Ledger Live Desktop doesn’t open or fails to detect your device:

  • Restart Ledger Live and your computer
  • Use the official USB cable
  • Make sure Ledger Live and firmware are updated

Ledger’s support pages and official documentation provide detailed fixes for common connection problems or installation errors.

12. Conclusion – Your Crypto Journey Begins

Ledger Live Desktop is a powerful, secure, and comprehensive platform for managing your cryptocurrency securely from your desktop. By following this guide and interlinking between setup steps, security tips, and advanced features, you’ll not only get started faster but also build strong security habits that protect your assets long‑term.

Start today with the official onboarding portal (ledger.com/start), complete your setup, and explore the many capabilities Ledger Live Desktop has to offer.