Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting Started – Official Ledger® Support Guide

Ledger Live: Desktop is the official desktop application from Ledger, designed to help users securely manage their cryptocurrencies using Ledger hardware wallets. Whether you're using the Ledger Nano S, Ledger Nano S Plus, or Ledger Nano X, the desktop version of Ledger Live acts as your gateway to safely store, send, receive, stake, and monitor your crypto assets — all while ensuring your private keys remain offline.

This guide provides a step-by-step overview to help you get started with Ledger Live on your desktop and begin managing your assets with industry-leading security.

1. What Is Ledger Live: Desktop?

Ledger Live: Desktop is the downloadable software for Windows, macOS, and Linux that allows you to interact with your Ledger hardware wallet. The app provides a user-friendly interface for managing over 5,500 digital assets, installing apps, checking balances, performing transactions, and even earning rewards via staking.

All sensitive operations, like signing transactions or approving accounts, are confirmed directly on your hardware wallet — not in the app — meaning your private keys never leave your device.

2. System Requirements

Before installing Ledger Live, ensure your desktop system meets the following requirements:

Operating System:
Windows 10 (64-bit) or later
macOS 10.14 or later
Linux Ubuntu 20.04 or later (AppImage version available)
USB Port (for Ledger Nano S and S Plus)
Internet Connection (for real-time updates, app installation, and blockchain syncing)

3. Downloading Ledger Live: Desktop

To avoid phishing scams or fake software, only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website:

🔗 Ledger.com/start

Steps:

Go to Ledger.com/start
Choose Ledger Live Download
Select your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Download and install the software

Once installed, open the application and follow the on-screen instructions to begin setup.

4. Setting Up Your Ledger Device

You can use Ledger Live to set up a new device or restore an existing one using your 24-word recovery phrase.

Option A: Set Up as New Device

Select “Set up a new device”
Choose your hardware wallet model (Nano S, Nano S Plus, or Nano X)
Follow the instructions on your device screen:

Create a secure PIN code
Write down your 24-word recovery phrase and store it securely (this is your backup key!)
Confirm the recovery phrase on the device

Once setup is complete, your device is ready to use with Ledger Live

Option B: Restore from Recovery Phrase

If you’ve already used a Ledger device and want to restore it:

Select “Restore device from recovery phrase”
Enter your 24-word phrase using the device’s physical buttons
Once confirmed, your device will recover all associated accounts and balances

5. Initializing Ledger Live on Desktop

After setting up your device, continue within Ledger Live to finish app configuration:

Step 1: Device Verification

Connect your Ledger device via USB
Unlock it with your PIN
Ledger Live will verify the device authenticity

Step 2: Security Checklist

Ledger Live will walk you through a genuine check to confirm your device is original and untampered. This step is crucial for protecting your assets.

Step 3: Password Lock (Optional)

You can set a password to protect access to Ledger Live on your desktop. This doesn’t affect your wallet itself but adds a layer of privacy on your local computer.

6. Installing Crypto Apps on Your Device

Ledger hardware wallets use apps to manage different cryptocurrencies.

To install apps:

Go to Manager tab in Ledger Live
Allow access on your Ledger device
Search and install apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana)
Installed apps will appear on your Ledger device screen

Note: Device memory is limited; you can uninstall apps without losing your assets. Private keys remain on the device.

7. Adding Accounts

After installing the apps, add cryptocurrency accounts in Ledger Live:

Steps:

Click Accounts > Add Account
Select the asset (e.g., Ethereum)
Ledger Live will sync with your hardware wallet and generate the account
Repeat for each currency you want to manage

Your accounts are now visible in the portfolio dashboard.

8. Sending and Receiving Crypto

To Receive:

Click Receive
Choose the account
Confirm the wallet address on your Ledger device
Share the address with the sender

To Send:

Click Send
Enter recipient’s address and amount
Confirm transaction details
Approve the transaction on your Ledger device

Every transaction is physically verified on your device, preventing malicious transactions.

9. Optional Features in Ledger Live Desktop

Portfolio Tracker: Monitor your holdings, price trends, and performance.
Swap Crypto: Exchange assets directly in-app via third-party providers.
Buy Crypto: Purchase crypto with fiat using integrated services.
Staking: Earn rewards by staking coins like Ethereum, Tezos, and Polkadot.
NFT Management: View Ethereum and Polygon-based NFTs directly in Ledger Live.

10. Security Best Practices

Always verify addresses on your Ledger device screen
Never share your 24-word recovery phrase
Use a strong password on your computer
Enable auto-lock for Ledger Live on inactivity
Bookmark Ledger.com to avoid phishing scams

11. Troubleshooting and Support

If you encounter any issues:

Update Firmware: Use Ledger Live Manager to install the latest firmware
Check Cables and USB Ports: If device isn’t recognized
Reinstall Ledger Live: If software crashes or fails to load

For further help, visit the official Ledger Support site for FAQs, step-by-step guides, and contact options.

Conclusion

Getting started with Ledger Live: Desktop provides you with a powerful, secure, and user-friendly way to manage your cryptocurrency portfolio. With full integration to Ledger’s hardware wallets and access to tools like staking, asset swapping, and portfolio tracking, Ledger Live offers everything you need in one place — all while ensuring your private keys remain offline and protected.