Ledger Live® Desktop — Getting Started | Official Ledger Wallet
Ledger Live® Desktop — Getting Started | Official Ledger Wallet
Ledger Live® Desktop is the official desktop application designed to help users securely manage their cryptocurrency assets with a Ledger hardware wallet. Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, Ledger Live Desktop provides an intuitive interface for buying, selling, sending, receiving, staking, and monitoring supported digital assets—all while keeping your private keys protected on your Ledger device. If you're setting up your wallet for the first time, begin with Ledger.com/start, where you'll find the official installation and setup instructions.
Ledger Live Desktop is the companion application for Ledger hardware wallets, including the Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, and newer supported devices. Rather than storing your private keys on your computer, the application communicates securely with your Ledger device, where sensitive cryptographic operations take place. This architecture helps reduce the risk associated with software-only wallets.
To ensure you're using authentic software and following the recommended setup process, visit Ledger.com/start before downloading or configuring your device.
Setting up Ledger Live Desktop is straightforward when you follow the official onboarding process. First, install the application on your desktop computer. After launching the app, connect your Ledger hardware wallet using the appropriate connection method supported by your device.
During the initial setup, you'll be guided through important steps such as:
Initializing a new Ledger device or restoring an existing wallet
Creating and confirming a PIN code
Recording your 24-word recovery phrase securely
Installing blockchain apps on your device
Adding cryptocurrency accounts to Ledger Live
If you are unsure about any step, Ledger.com/start provides official guidance for safely setting up your Ledger wallet and Ledger Live Desktop.
Ledger Live Desktop offers a comprehensive suite of tools for managing digital assets from one secure application. Depending on supported assets and available services, users can:
View portfolio balances in real time
Send and receive cryptocurrencies
Install and manage blockchain applications
Buy, sell, or swap supported crypto assets through integrated service providers
Stake eligible cryptocurrencies
Monitor transaction history
Manage supported NFT collections
Receive firmware and application updates for compatible Ledger devices
Because transaction approvals occur directly on your Ledger hardware wallet, your private keys remain protected throughout the process.
While Ledger Live Desktop is designed with security in mind, users should also follow good security habits. Always download Ledger Live from official Ledger sources and never enter your 24-word recovery phrase into websites, emails, or unofficial applications. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase.
Additional recommendations include:
Keep Ledger Live updated to the latest version.
Verify recipient addresses directly on your Ledger device.
Store your recovery phrase offline in a secure location.
Use a strong PIN for your hardware wallet.
Install firmware updates only through official Ledger tools.
For complete setup instructions and security guidance, Ledger.com/start remains the recommended starting point for all Ledger users.
Ledger Live Desktop combines convenience with the security benefits of a hardware wallet. Instead of exposing private keys to your computer, sensitive operations remain isolated within the Ledger device. This allows users to manage a growing portfolio of supported cryptocurrencies while maintaining greater control over their digital assets.
Whether you're holding Bitcoin, Ethereum, or a diverse range of supported tokens, Ledger Live Desktop offers a centralized platform to monitor balances, initiate transactions, and manage your accounts efficiently.
Ledger Live® Desktop is the official application for securely managing digital assets with a Ledger hardware wallet. Its user-friendly interface, broad asset support, and integration with Ledger's hardware security make it a popular choice for both new and experienced cryptocurrency users. For the safest onboarding experience, always begin your setup using Ledger.com/start, where you can access official installation instructions, device setup guidance, security recommendations, and helpful resources. Starting with the official setup process helps ensure that your Ledger wallet is configured correctly and ready to securely manage your crypto portfolio.