Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started | official Ledger Wallet™ App

🔐 Introduction to Ledger® Live Desktop

Ledger® Live Desktop is the official companion application designed to help users manage, secure, and grow their digital assets using Ledger hardware wallets. Built with security-first architecture, the desktop version offers a powerful, stable, and user-friendly environment for cryptocurrency management on Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.

Unlike browser-based wallets or mobile-only apps, Ledger Live Desktop gives you full control over your crypto portfolio while keeping private keys safely stored inside your Ledger hardware wallet. The app acts as a secure interface—never holding your secret recovery phrase, never exposing your private keys, and never compromising ownership.

Whether you are new to crypto or an experienced investor, Ledger Live Desktop simplifies complex blockchain interactions into one clean dashboard while maintaining institutional-grade security standards.

💻 System Requirements & Compatibility

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

Supported Operating Systems

  • Windows 10 or later (64-bit)
  • macOS 12 or later
  • Linux (Ubuntu-based distributions recommended)

Hardware Requirements

  • Minimum 4 GB RAM
  • Stable internet connection
  • USB port for Ledger device connection

Supported Ledger Devices

  • Ledger Nano S Plus
  • Ledger Nano X
  • Ledger Stax

Ledger Live Desktop is optimized for performance and stability, making it ideal for long-term asset management.

📥 Installing Ledger® Live Desktop

Installing Ledger Live on your desktop is straightforward and secure when done through official sources.

Installation Steps

  1. Download Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger website
  2. Choose the correct version for your operating system
  3. Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions
  4. Launch Ledger Live after installation completes

Once installed, the application will prompt you to either set up a new Ledger device or connect an existing one.

⚠️ Security Tip: Always verify the website URL before downloading. Avoid third-party links or unofficial mirrors.

🔑 Setting Up Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

Ledger Live Desktop works hand-in-hand with your Ledger hardware wallet. During setup, you will either:

  • Initialize a new Ledger device
  • Restore an existing wallet using a recovery phrase

New Device Setup

  • Create a secure PIN code
  • Generate a 24-word recovery phrase
  • Confirm the phrase on your device screen

Restoring an Existing Wallet

  • Enter your recovery phrase directly on the Ledger device
  • Never type the phrase into a computer or phone

📌 Your recovery phrase is the only backup of your assets. Ledger Live will never ask for it.

🧭 Ledger Live Desktop Interface Overview

Ledger Live Desktop features a clean, intuitive layout designed for clarity and control.

Main Sections

  • Dashboard: Portfolio overview and asset allocation
  • Accounts: Individual crypto balances and transaction history
  • Send / Receive: Secure crypto transfers
  • Buy / Sell: Integrated partner services
  • Discover: Web3 apps and staking platforms
  • Manager: Install and manage apps on your Ledger device
  • Settings: Security, preferences, and updates

Each section is clearly labeled, allowing users to navigate confidently without technical complexity.

💰 Adding and Managing Crypto Accounts

Ledger Live Desktop supports thousands of cryptocurrencies and tokens across multiple blockchains.

How to Add an Account

  1. Connect and unlock your Ledger device
  2. Open Ledger Live → Accounts → Add Account
  3. Select the cryptocurrency
  4. Ledger Live syncs with the blockchain securely

Each account represents a unique public address controlled by your Ledger device.

Supported Assets Include

  • Bitcoin (BTC)
  • Ethereum (ETH)
  • Litecoin (LTC)
  • XRP
  • Cardano (ADA)
  • Polygon (MATIC)
  • ERC-20 & BEP-20 tokens

New assets are regularly added via updates.

📤 Sending & Receiving Crypto Safely

Ledger Live Desktop ensures every transaction is verified physically on your Ledger device.

Receiving Crypto

  • Select the account
  • Click “Receive”
  • Verify the address on your Ledger screen
  • Share the verified address

Sending Crypto

  • Enter recipient address
  • Choose amount and fees
  • Confirm transaction on Ledger device

🔐 Transactions cannot be approved without physical confirmation, protecting you from malware and remote attacks.

📊 Portfolio Tracking & Insights

Ledger Live Desktop provides real-time portfolio tracking with detailed analytics.

Features

  • Total portfolio value
  • Individual asset performance
  • Historical balance charts
  • Fiat currency conversion
  • Allocation percentages

This makes Ledger Live not just a wallet interface, but a complete crypto management hub.

🧩 Ledger Live Manager: Device App Control

The Manager section allows you to install and remove blockchain apps on your Ledger device.

Why Apps Matter
Each cryptocurrency requires a specific app installed on the device to interact with its blockchain.

Manager Functions

  • Install new crypto apps
  • Update existing apps
  • Update device firmware
  • Free up storage space

All updates are cryptographically verified for authenticity.

🌐 Web3 & Discover Section

Ledger Live Desktop includes a Discover tab that connects users to decentralized applications (dApps).

Available Services

  • Staking platforms
  • NFT marketplaces
  • DeFi protocols
  • Token swaps
  • WalletConnect integrations

All interactions still require Ledger device approval, keeping your assets protected even in Web3 environments.

🧠 Built-In Security Architecture

Security is the foundation of Ledger Live Desktop.

Key Security Features

  • Private keys never leave the hardware wallet
  • Secure Element chip (CC EAL5+ certified)
  • Transaction verification on-device
  • Open-source Ledger Live codebase
  • Regular security audits

Ledger Live does not store personal data, private keys, or recovery phrases.

🔄 Updates & Maintenance

Ledger Live Desktop regularly receives updates that include:

  • New asset support
  • Performance improvements
  • Bug fixes
  • Security enhancements

Users are notified directly inside the app, ensuring updates come from trusted sources only.

💡 Always keep Ledger Live and your device firmware up to date for maximum protection.

❓ Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Never share your recovery phrase
🚫 Do not store the phrase digitally
🚫 Avoid fake Ledger emails or pop-ups
🚫 Never connect your device to untrusted computers
🚫 Don’t rush transactions—always verify addresses

Ledger Live Desktop is secure, but user awareness is essential.

🧭 Who Should Use Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is ideal for:

  • Long-term crypto holders
  • Users managing multiple assets
  • Investors prioritizing security
  • DeFi and NFT participants
  • Anyone who wants full ownership of their crypto

It is especially recommended for users who prefer desktop environments over mobile-only wallets.

✅ Final Thoughts

Ledger® Live Desktop stands as one of the most trusted and secure ways to manage cryptocurrency today. By combining a hardware wallet with a powerful desktop interface, it delivers unmatched protection without sacrificing usability.

From initial setup to advanced portfolio management, Ledger Live Desktop empowers users to take full control of their digital assets—securely, transparently, and independently.

🔐 Your keys. Your crypto. Your control.