Ledger Live Desktop — Getting Started | Official Ledger Wallet

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application developed by Ledger® to help users securely manage their cryptocurrency assets using Ledger hardware wallets. Designed for security, usability, and full asset control, Ledger Live Desktop allows users to buy, sell, swap, stake, and manage thousands of crypto assets directly from a trusted interface while keeping private keys offline.

This complete getting-started guide explains how Ledger Live Desktop works, how to install it safely, how to connect your Ledger device, and how to use its core features efficiently. Throughout this guide, you’ll find interlinking references to Ledger Live Desktop functions, Ledger Live Mobile, Ledger hardware wallets, and Ledger support resources to help you navigate the ecosystem smoothly.

What Is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the desktop version of the Ledger Live application, available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It acts as a secure bridge between your Ledger hardware wallet and the blockchain, enabling you to manage crypto assets without exposing private keys to the internet.

Unlike browser wallets or exchange accounts, Ledger Live Desktop works exclusively with Ledger devices such as Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X, ensuring that all sensitive operations are confirmed on the physical device itself.

Key benefits of Ledger Live Desktop include:

  • Full self-custody of digital assets
  • Secure account management via hardware wallet authentication
  • Multi-asset support across thousands of coins and tokens
  • Integrated services such as buying, selling, swapping, and staking
  • Portfolio tracking in real time

Ledger Live Desktop is commonly interlinked with Ledger Live Mobile, allowing users to manage assets across devices while maintaining the same level of security.

Ledger Live Desktop vs Ledger Live Mobile

Ledger Live is available in both desktop and mobile versions. While they share the same core features, Ledger Live Desktop is often preferred for advanced portfolio management and firmware updates.

Ledger Live Desktop advantages:

  • Larger screen for portfolio tracking
  • Easier navigation for multiple accounts
  • Recommended for device firmware updates
  • More detailed transaction history

Ledger Live Mobile advantages:

  • On-the-go asset monitoring
  • Bluetooth support with Ledger Nano X
  • Quick access to balances and transactions

Many users install Ledger Live Desktop first, then later link their accounts to Ledger Live Mobile for daily monitoring.

System Requirements for Ledger Live Desktop

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

  • Windows: Windows 10 or later (64-bit)
  • macOS: macOS 12 or later
  • Linux: Ubuntu 20.04 or compatible distributions
  • USB Port: Required for Ledger Nano S Plus
  • Internet Connection: Needed for blockchain synchronization

Installing Ledger Live Desktop only from official Ledger sources is essential to avoid phishing or malicious software.

How to Download and Install Ledger Live Desktop

To get started with Ledger Live Desktop, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the official Ledger website and navigate to the Ledger Live Desktop download section
  2. Select your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
  3. Download the official installer package
  4. Open the installer and follow on-screen instructions
  5. Launch Ledger Live Desktop after installation

Once installed, Ledger Live Desktop will guide you through device setup or device connection depending on whether you already own a Ledger hardware wallet.

This step is closely interlinked with Ledger.com/Start, where first-time users complete initial hardware wallet setup.

Setting Up a New Ledger Device with Ledger Live Desktop

If you are using a Ledger device for the first time, Ledger Live Desktop will walk you through the setup process.

Initial Setup Steps

  1. Open Ledger Live Desktop
  2. Choose “Get Started”
  3. Select “Set up a new device”
  4. Choose your Ledger model (Nano S Plus or Nano X)
  5. Follow instructions displayed on both the computer screen and the Ledger device

During setup, you will create a PIN code and receive a 24-word recovery phrase. This recovery phrase is critical and should never be stored digitally or shared with anyone.

Ledger Live Desktop will verify that you’ve correctly written down your recovery phrase before proceeding.

Connecting an Existing Ledger Device

If you already have a Ledger device, you can connect it to Ledger Live Desktop easily:

  1. Open Ledger Live Desktop
  2. Select “Connect your device”
  3. Unlock your Ledger device with your PIN
  4. Allow Ledger Live access when prompted on the device

Once connected, Ledger Live Desktop will synchronize your accounts and balances securely.

This process interlinks directly with Ledger hardware wallet security, ensuring all transactions require physical confirmation.

Adding Accounts in Ledger Live Desktop

Ledger Live Desktop uses accounts to represent individual blockchain addresses managed by your Ledger device.

How to Add an Account

  1. Open Ledger Live Desktop
  2. Navigate to Accounts
  3. Click Add Account
  4. Select the cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana)
  5. Open the corresponding app on your Ledger device
  6. Allow Ledger Live Desktop to synchronize

Each account is fully secured by your hardware wallet and can be managed independently.

Managing Your Crypto Portfolio

Ledger Live Desktop provides a comprehensive portfolio dashboard that displays:

  • Total portfolio value
  • Asset allocation by coin
  • Individual account balances
  • Historical performance

This portfolio view is interlinked with real-time market data, allowing you to monitor performance without exposing private keys.

You can switch between Portfolio, Accounts, and Market tabs for deeper insights into your holdings.

Sending and Receiving Crypto with Ledger Live Desktop

Receiving Assets

  1. Open Ledger Live Desktop
  2. Select the account you want to receive funds into
  3. Click Receive
  4. Verify the address on both Ledger Live Desktop and your Ledger device
  5. Share the verified address with the sender

Sending Assets

  1. Select the account
  2. Click Send
  3. Enter the recipient’s address and amount
  4. Review transaction details
  5. Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device

All outgoing transactions must be physically approved, reinforcing Ledger Live Desktop’s security model.

Buying, Selling, and Swapping Crypto

Ledger Live Desktop integrates trusted third-party services that allow users to:

  • Buy crypto with fiat
  • Sell crypto to supported payment methods
  • Swap between cryptocurrencies

These features are accessible from the Buy/Sell and Swap sections of Ledger Live Desktop. While Ledger does not hold user funds, it securely connects users with vetted providers.

This functionality is often interlinked with Ledger Live Mobile, offering a unified experience across devices.

Staking Crypto in Ledger Live Desktop

Ledger Live Desktop supports staking for several major assets, including:

  • Ethereum
  • Solana
  • Polkadot
  • Tezos

Staking allows users to earn rewards while maintaining custody of their assets. Ledger Live Desktop displays estimated rewards, validator details, and staking status directly within the app.

All staking operations require confirmation on the Ledger hardware wallet.

Firmware Updates and App Management

Ledger Live Desktop is the recommended platform for managing:

  • Ledger device firmware updates
  • Installing and removing crypto apps
  • Checking device storage

To update firmware:

  1. Open Ledger Live Desktop
  2. Go to My Ledger
  3. Connect and unlock your Ledger device
  4. Follow on-screen update instructions

Keeping firmware up to date ensures compatibility, performance, and security enhancements.

Security Best Practices for Ledger Live Desktop

To maximize security while using Ledger Live Desktop:

  • Download only from official Ledger sources
  • Never share your recovery phrase
  • Verify addresses on your Ledger device screen
  • Keep Ledger Live Desktop updated
  • Beware of fake Ledger emails or pop-ups

Ledger Live Desktop will never ask for your recovery phrase under any circumstances.

Troubleshooting and Ledger Support

If you encounter issues with Ledger Live Desktop, common solutions include:

  • Restarting the application
  • Updating Ledger Live Desktop
  • Checking USB or cable connections
  • Re-syncing accounts

For advanced help, Ledger offers a dedicated Ledger Support section with troubleshooting guides, FAQs, and official documentation. These resources are deeply interlinked with Ledger Live Desktop features and workflows.

Why Choose Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop combines ease of use with industry-leading security. It is designed for users who want:

  • True ownership of digital assets
  • A single interface for managing multiple blockchains
  • Hardware-level transaction security
  • Seamless integration with Ledger devices

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crypto holder, Ledger Live Desktop offers a trusted foundation for long-term asset management.

Final Thoughts

Ledger Live Desktop is more than just a wallet interface—it’s a secure control center for your digital assets. By combining a user-friendly desktop experience with Ledger’s proven hardware security, it enables safe, private, and efficient crypto management.

With built-in support for buying, selling, swapping, staking, portfolio tracking, and firmware management, Ledger Live Desktop stands as one of the most comprehensive self-custody solutions available today.