Ledger Live Desktop® — Getting Started | Official Ledger Wallet™

Getting started with Ledger Live Desktop is the first step toward securely managing your cryptocurrency with a Ledger. Developed by Ledger, Ledger Live Desktop provides a trusted environment where you can safely store, manage, buy, sell, and stake digital assets — all while keeping your private keys offline.

This guide walks you through the official setup process and explains how to begin using Ledger Live Desktop with confidence.

💻 What Is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application designed to work directly with your Ledger hardware wallet. It acts as the control center for your crypto accounts, giving you access to balances, transactions, staking features, and device management tools.

Available for:

Windows

macOS

Linux

The desktop version is recommended for full functionality, enhanced security, and improved performance.

🛠️ Step 1: Download the Official Application

To begin, download Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger website. Always verify the URL and avoid third-party download sources to protect against malicious software.

Once downloaded:

Install the application on your computer.

Launch Ledger Live Desktop.

Choose “Get Started.”

The application will guide you through the setup process step by step.

🔐 Step 2: Set Up or Restore Your Ledger Device

After opening Ledger Live, you will be asked whether you want to:

Set up a new device

Restore from recovery phrase

If you are setting up a new device, follow the on-screen instructions to initialize your hardware wallet and generate your 24-word recovery phrase.

If restoring, carefully enter your existing recovery phrase directly on the device — never on your computer.

📝 Important: Secure Your Recovery Phrase

During setup, your Ledger device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the master backup for your wallet.

Security guidelines:

Write it down on paper only.

Store it in a secure offline location.

Never share it with anyone.

Never enter it on websites or apps.

If your device is ever lost or damaged, this recovery phrase allows you to restore access to your funds.

🔄 Step 3: Install Apps on Your Device

Each cryptocurrency requires a dedicated app installed on your Ledger hardware wallet.

Using the Manager section inside Ledger Live Desktop, you can:

Install new crypto apps

Remove unused apps

Update device firmware

Verify device authenticity

Your Ledger device must be connected and unlocked to install apps.

💼 Step 4: Add Crypto Accounts

Once the required apps are installed, you can add accounts for supported cryptocurrencies.

To add an account:

Open Ledger Live Desktop.

Select “Accounts.”

Click “Add Account.”

Choose the cryptocurrency.

Confirm the account creation on your device.

Ledger Live will then synchronize your account with the blockchain network.

💱 Step 5: Send & Receive Crypto

With accounts added, you can securely send and receive cryptocurrency.

Receiving Crypto:

Select the account.

Click “Receive.”

Verify the address on your Ledger device.

Share the verified address.

Sending Crypto:

Select the account.

Click “Send.”

Enter recipient details.

Confirm transaction on your device.

Every outgoing transaction requires physical confirmation on your Ledger hardware wallet for maximum security.

📊 Monitor Your Portfolio

Ledger Live Desktop provides a complete portfolio overview, including:

Real-time balances

Asset allocation

Performance charts

Transaction history

The dashboard allows you to track your holdings and monitor changes over time.

💎 Explore Additional Features

Ledger Live Desktop offers more than basic wallet functions. Depending on your region and supported assets, you may also:

Buy cryptocurrency

Sell digital assets

Swap tokens

Stake eligible cryptocurrencies

Earn rewards

All operations are secured through your hardware wallet confirmation.

🛡️ Built-In Security Protections

Ledger Live Desktop protects your assets through:

Secure Element chip technology

Offline private key storage

PIN-protected device access

On-device transaction verification

Genuine device checks

Even if your computer is compromised, your private keys remain secure inside your hardware wallet.

⚙️ Keep Your App Updated

Ledger regularly releases updates to improve performance and security. Ledger Live Desktop will notify you when updates are available. Always install updates directly from the official application.

🚀 Start Managing Crypto with Confidence

Ledger Live Desktop® provides a secure, reliable, and professional platform for managing digital assets. By pairing hardware-based protection with an intuitive desktop application, it empowers you to take full control of your cryptocurrency safely.