Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting Started - Ledger® Live

In the ever-growing world of cryptocurrency, security and control over your assets are critical. Whether you're just starting your crypto journey or already managing a diversified portfolio, Ledger® Live Desktop offers a secure and easy way to manage your digital assets.

Designed to work seamlessly with Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X hardware wallets, Ledger Live Desktop helps you manage, send, receive, and grow your crypto assets—all while keeping your private keys offline and secure.

What Is Ledger® Live?

Ledger Live is Ledger’s official application that lets you interact with your Ledger hardware wallet through a secure interface. Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, it provides full control of your digital assets directly from your desktop. With Ledger Live, you can:

Check real-time balances

Send and receive cryptocurrency

Buy, sell, or swap crypto

Stake supported assets for rewards

Manage NFTs

Connect to Web3 apps via Ledger Extension

Ledger Live supports thousands of coins and tokens including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and many more.

How to Get Started with Ledger Live on Desktop

1. Download Ledger Live from the Official Site

Visit the official Ledger website: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live

Download the version of Ledger Live that matches your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). To stay safe, always download software only from the official Ledger website.

2. Install the Application

Follow the on-screen prompts to install the application. Once installed, launch the app to begin the setup process.

3. Set Up or Connect Your Ledger Device

You’ll be prompted to choose one of the following options:

Set up a new Ledger device

Restore from recovery phrase

Use an already initialized device

If you're setting up a new device, you’ll be guided through choosing a PIN and writing down your 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is crucial—do not store it digitally or share it with anyone. It’s the only backup to recover your assets if the device is lost or damaged.

Installing Apps and Adding Accounts

Once your device is ready, you’ll be asked to install apps for the cryptocurrencies you plan to use (like Bitcoin or Ethereum). These apps are stored directly on your Ledger hardware wallet.

After installing the apps, add accounts within Ledger Live for each crypto asset you want to manage. Ledger Live will then display your portfolio and balances securely.

Sending, Receiving, and Managing Crypto

With Ledger Live, sending and receiving crypto is simple and secure. Every transaction must be manually confirmed using the buttons on your Ledger device, ensuring that no unauthorized transaction can occur—even if your computer is compromised.

You can also use Ledger Live to buy crypto with fiat currency, swap tokens, or stake supported assets like Ethereum, Polkadot, and Tezos to earn passive rewards.

NFT and Web3 Support

Ledger Live also allows users to view and manage NFTs, primarily on Ethereum and Polygon networks. You can also access Web3 decentralized applications (dApps) via the Ledger Extension, which provides a safer alternative to browser wallets by signing transactions directly on your Ledger device.

Security Tips

Never share your 24-word recovery phrase

Use a strong PIN

Only download Ledger Live from the official website

Keep your device firmware up to date

Ledger Live ensures your private keys never leave your hardware device, offering a robust layer of protection against phishing, malware, and other online threats.

Final Thoughts

Ledger® Live Desktop provides a trusted, intuitive, and powerful platform for managing your crypto assets securely. Paired with Ledger's industry-leading hardware wallets, it enables you to take full control of your digital wealth while staying protected.