Ledger Live Desktop — Getting Started

Ledger Live Desktop is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a secure, intuitive, and powerful environment to manage crypto assets, install apps, track portfolios, and interact with blockchain services while keeping private keys protected inside your Ledger device.

What Is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is designed to act as a secure bridge between your Ledger hardware wallet and the blockchain. It allows you to manage, monitor, and grow your crypto portfolio without ever exposing your private keys to your computer or the internet.

Security First

Hardware-Level Protection

Ledger Live works exclusively with Ledger hardware wallets, ensuring that sensitive operations such as transaction signing occur within the secure element of your device. Even if your computer is compromised, your private keys remain isolated and protected.

Unified Control

All Assets in One Place

From Bitcoin and Ethereum to thousands of supported tokens, Ledger Live Desktop provides a unified interface for viewing balances, managing accounts, and tracking portfolio performance in real time.

Official App

Trusted Ledger Ecosystem

As the official Ledger application, Ledger Live Desktop receives continuous updates, security patches, and feature enhancements directly from Ledger, ensuring long-term reliability and compatibility.

Installing Ledger Live Desktop

Installing Ledger Live Desktop is a straightforward process designed to minimize risk while maximizing usability. The application is available for major operating systems and is optimized for performance and security.

Step 1: Download the Application

Always download Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger source. This ensures that the software has not been altered or compromised and that it includes the latest security updates.

Step 2: Install on Your Computer

Follow the installation instructions specific to your operating system. The installer guides you through the process, verifying system requirements and preparing the application for first launch.

Step 3: Launch and Initialize

Upon launching Ledger Live Desktop for the first time, you are guided through a secure onboarding flow that introduces core features and confirms application integrity.

Why Installation Security Matters

Installing wallet software from unofficial sources is one of the most common causes of crypto loss. Ledger Live Desktop mitigates this risk by providing verification checks, secure distribution, and a guided onboarding process that helps users identify legitimate software from the start.

Setting Up Your Ledger Device

Ledger Live Desktop works hand-in-hand with your Ledger hardware wallet. Proper device setup ensures maximum security and a smooth user experience when managing digital assets.

Connecting Your Device

Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the provided USB cable. Ledger Live Desktop automatically detects the device and confirms its authenticity before allowing access to wallet features.

Creating or Restoring a Wallet

You can create a new wallet with a fresh recovery phrase or restore an existing wallet using a previously generated phrase. This process is performed directly on the Ledger device, never on your computer.

Installing Apps

Ledger Live Desktop allows you to install blockchain-specific apps on your device, enabling support for different cryptocurrencies while maintaining a modular and secure architecture.

Managing Crypto Assets

Ledger Live Desktop offers comprehensive tools for managing crypto assets, from receiving and sending funds to monitoring portfolio performance across multiple accounts.

  • Receive assets securely with verified addresses
  • Send transactions with on-device confirmation
  • Track balances and historical performance
  • Organize multiple accounts effortlessly

Clear Portfolio Insights

With real-time price data and detailed charts, Ledger Live Desktop provides clarity and transparency across your holdings. Users gain a comprehensive view of asset allocation, performance trends, and market movements without sacrificing privacy.

Advanced Features in Ledger Live Desktop

Beyond basic asset management, Ledger Live Desktop includes advanced features that empower users to explore decentralized finance, staking, and long-term portfolio strategies.

Staking and Rewards

Stake supported cryptocurrencies directly through Ledger Live Desktop and earn rewards while retaining full control of your private keys. The interface simplifies delegation, reward tracking, and unstaking.

Integrated Services

Access trusted third-party services within Ledger Live Desktop for swaps, buys, and sells. Each integration is carefully vetted to maintain Ledger’s security standards.

Regular Updates

Ledger Live Desktop evolves continuously, adding support for new assets and features while improving usability, performance, and security through regular updates.

Ledger Live Desktop — Getting Started | Official Ledger Wallet