Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting Started with Ledger®

Managing your cryptocurrency securely starts with the right tools—and Ledger® Live: Desktop is at the core of Ledger’s trusted ecosystem. Designed to work seamlessly with Ledger® Nano S Plus and Ledger® Nano X, Ledger Live Desktop provides a powerful, user-friendly interface for buying, sending, receiving, and staking crypto—all while keeping your assets safe with offline storage.

In this step-by-step guide, you'll learn how to get started with Ledger Live Desktop, set up your device, create accounts, and perform essential actions in the Ledger ecosystem.

What Is Ledger® Live: Desktop?

Ledger® Live: Desktop is the official software application developed by Ledger for Windows, macOS, and Linux computers. It acts as a companion app to your Ledger hardware wallet, allowing you to manage your crypto portfolio in a secure environment.

With Ledger Live, you can:

  • Set up your Ledger device
  • Add and manage multiple crypto accounts
  • View real-time balances
  • Install apps for various blockchains
  • Send and receive cryptocurrency
  • Buy, swap, and stake crypto directly from the app

All private keys remain stored securely on your Ledger hardware device—never exposed to the internet—making Ledger one of the most secure crypto solutions available.

Step 1: Download Ledger® Live Desktop from the Official Site

To get started, go to the official Ledger website:
 👉 https://www.ledger.com/start

Download the correct version of Ledger Live for your computer operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Be cautious of phishing sites—only download from the official Ledger domain.

Once downloaded, install and launch Ledger Live on your desktop.

Step 2: Set Up Your Ledger® Hardware Wallet

If you have a new Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X, you’ll need to initialize it:

  1. Connect your Ledger device to your computer via USB.
  2. Choose “Set up as new device.”
  3. Create a PIN code on your Ledger device.
  4. Write down your 24-word recovery phrase using the provided recovery sheet.
  • This phrase is your only backup. Store it securely and never share it.
  1. Confirm the recovery phrase by re-entering selected words as prompted.

If you're restoring a wallet, choose “Restore from recovery phrase” instead.

Step 3: Pair Ledger Device with Ledger Live

After setup, Ledger Live will prompt you to pair your hardware device. Follow these steps:

  • Open Ledger Live
  • Click “Get Started” and agree to the terms
  • Choose your device model (Nano S Plus or Nano X)
  • Follow on-screen instructions to connect and verify your device
  • Allow Ledger Live to check the device authenticity

Once verified, your Ledger is securely linked to Ledger Live.

Step 4: Install Apps and Add Crypto Accounts

Ledger supports over 5,500 cryptocurrencies. To manage a specific coin, you must first install the corresponding app on your Ledger device:

  1. In Ledger Live, go to “My Ledger.”
  2. Unlock your Ledger device.
  3. Select and install apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana).
  4. After installation, go to “Accounts” → “Add Account.”
  5. Choose the crypto asset and allow Ledger Live to sync.

Your crypto accounts are now added to your dashboard for easy monitoring.

Step 5: Receive and Send Cryptocurrency

To Receive Crypto:

  • Click “Receive” in Ledger Live
  • Select the crypto account you want to receive to
  • Verify the receiving address on your Ledger device
  • Copy and share this address with the sender

To Send Crypto:

  • Click “Send”
  • Enter the recipient's address and amount
  • Review transaction details on your Ledger device
  • Confirm the transaction using the physical buttons

Ledger Live ensures that you verify all critical information on your hardware wallet before approving, preventing unauthorized transfers.

Step 6: Explore More Features

Ledger Live offers more than basic account management:

  • Buy crypto via integrated partners like MoonPay or Ramp
  • Stake tokens such as Ethereum, Tezos, or Polkadot and earn rewards
  • Swap assets directly in-app without using centralized exchanges
  • View portfolio analytics with real-time charts and performance tracking

These features are available directly within Ledger Live Desktop, giving you full control over your assets.

Security Best Practices

  • Always download Ledger Live from the official website
  • Keep your Ledger device firmware and Ledger Live app up to date
  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase
  • Only verify receiving addresses directly on your Ledger device
  • Use a strong computer password and enable Ledger Live’s optional password lock

Final Thoughts

Ledger® Live: Desktop is the ultimate platform to securely manage, grow, and track your crypto portfolio. Combined with a Ledger hardware wallet, it offers one of the safest and most convenient ways to interact with the blockchain—without ever putting your private keys at risk.

Start your journey with Ledger today:
 👉 Visit the Official Site – Ledger.com/Start

Take full control of your crypto. Stay secure. Trust Ledger®.