Ledger Live Desktop® — Getting Started | Official Ledger Wallet

Ledger Live Desktop is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets, designed to give users a secure, intuitive, and comprehensive way to manage their digital assets. Whether you are buying crypto for the first time, tracking a long-term portfolio, or actively managing multiple blockchain accounts, Ledger Live Desktop provides the tools you need—all while keeping your private keys offline and under your control.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know to get started with Ledger Live Desktop, from installation and setup to key features, security best practices, and ongoing management.

What Is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is a free application developed by Ledger that allows users to interact securely with their Ledger hardware wallet. Unlike online wallets or browser extensions, Ledger Live Desktop never exposes your private keys to the internet. All sensitive actions—such as approving transactions—are verified directly on your Ledger device.

With Ledger Live Desktop, you can:

  • Manage over 5,000 coins and tokens
  • View real-time portfolio balances
  • Send and receive crypto securely
  • Buy, sell, swap, and stake supported assets
  • Install and manage blockchain apps on your Ledger device
  • Update firmware and keep your wallet secure

Ledger Live Desktop is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible for most desktop users worldwide.

Why Choose Ledger Live Desktop?

Security and ownership are the foundation of Ledger’s ecosystem. Ledger Live Desktop was built with the philosophy that you should always remain in control of your assets.

Key Benefits

1. Maximum Security
Your private keys remain stored inside the Secure Element chip of your Ledger device. Ledger Live acts only as a secure interface, never holding sensitive data.

2. One App, Multiple Blockchains
Manage Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Polygon, XRP, and thousands of other assets in one place.

3. User-Friendly Interface
Ledger Live Desktop is designed for beginners and advanced users alike, offering a clean dashboard with detailed insights.

4. Regular Updates
Ledger continuously improves Ledger Live Desktop with new features, security enhancements, and expanded asset support.

How to Download and Install Ledger Live Desktop

Getting started with Ledger Live Desktop takes just a few minutes.

Step 1: Download the Official App

Always download Ledger Live Desktop directly from Ledger’s official website to avoid fake or malicious versions.
Official download page:
👉 https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live

Step 2: Install the Application

Once downloaded, follow the installation instructions for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

Step 3: Launch Ledger Live Desktop

Open the application and choose whether you are setting up a new Ledger device or connecting an existing one.

Setting Up Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

Ledger Live Desktop works hand-in-hand with Ledger Nano X, Ledger Nano S Plus, and other supported Ledger devices.

New Device Setup

If you’re new to Ledger:

  1. Connect your Ledger device to your computer
  2. Choose “Set up as new device” in Ledger Live
  3. Create a PIN code on your Ledger device
  4. Write down your 24-word recovery phrase (offline only)
  5. Confirm your recovery phrase on the device

⚠️ Important: Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger will never ask for it.

Learn more about secure setup here:
👉 https://support.ledger.com

Adding Accounts and Managing Crypto

Once your device is set up, you can begin adding accounts for different cryptocurrencies.

Adding Accounts

  1. Open Ledger Live Desktop
  2. Go to the Accounts tab
  3. Select “Add account”
  4. Install the required blockchain app on your Ledger device
  5. Confirm the account creation

Ledger Live automatically synchronizes balances and transaction history.

Buying, Selling, and Swapping Crypto

Ledger Live Desktop integrates trusted third-party providers, allowing users to perform transactions without leaving the app.

Buy Crypto

Purchase crypto using bank cards or transfers, directly deposited into your Ledger-protected wallet.

Sell Crypto

Convert your crypto into fiat currency through supported on-ramps.

Swap Crypto

Exchange one cryptocurrency for another securely, with transaction approval on your Ledger device.

These features vary by region and asset availability.

Staking and Earning Rewards

Ledger Live Desktop supports staking for selected cryptocurrencies, allowing users to earn rewards while maintaining custody of their assets.

Supported staking options include:

  • Ethereum (ETH)
  • Solana (SOL)
  • Polkadot (DOT)
  • Tezos (XTZ)
  • Cosmos (ATOM)

You can stake directly within Ledger Live, monitor rewards, and manage validators—all while retaining full control of your private keys.

Keeping Ledger Live Desktop Secure

Security is not a one-time action—it’s an ongoing practice.

Best Practices

  • Always verify transaction details on your Ledger device screen
  • Keep Ledger Live Desktop updated
  • Never download Ledger Live from unofficial sources
  • Store your recovery phrase offline in a secure location
  • Enable password lock within Ledger Live settings

Firmware and app updates can be managed directly inside Ledger Live Desktop.

Troubleshooting and Support

If you encounter issues such as connection problems, synchronization errors, or device recognition issues, Ledger provides extensive documentation and support resources.

Official support portal:
👉 https://support.ledger.com

For known issues and updates, check Ledger’s official status page:
👉 https://status.ledger.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Ledger Live Desktop free to use?

Yes. Ledger Live Desktop is completely free to download and use. Fees only apply when you perform blockchain transactions or use third-party services like buying or swapping crypto.

2. Can Ledger Live Desktop work without a Ledger hardware wallet?

You can explore the interface, but full functionality requires a Ledger hardware wallet to manage and secure assets.

3. Is Ledger Live Desktop safe for long-term storage?

Yes. Ledger Live Desktop is designed for long-term asset management, as private keys never leave the Ledger device.

4. How often should I update Ledger Live Desktop?

You should update whenever a new version is released to benefit from security patches, new features, and expanded asset support.

5. What happens if my computer is compromised?

Even if your computer is infected, your assets remain safe as long as your recovery phrase is secure and you verify transactions on your Ledger device.

Here are 5 official Ledger web links for trusted information and downloads:

  1. Ledger Live Desktop Download
    👉 https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live
  2. Ledger Official Website
    👉 https://www.ledger.com
  3. Ledger Support & Help Center
    👉 https://support.ledger.com
  4. Ledger Device Setup Guide
    👉 https://support.ledger.com/hc/en-us/categories/4404369571601-Getting-started
  5. Ledger System Status
    👉 https://status.ledger.com

Final Thoughts

Ledger Live Desktop is more than just a wallet application—it is a complete ecosystem for securely managing digital assets. By combining a powerful desktop interface with industry-leading hardware security, Ledger Live empowers users to participate confidently in the crypto economy.

Whether you’re holding, trading, staking, or simply tracking your portfolio, Ledger Live Desktop ensures that you remain the true owner of your crypto.