Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting Started with Ledger®

In today’s fast-evolving digital finance landscape, securing your cryptocurrency is no longer optional—it's essential. Ledger®, a pioneer in crypto hardware wallets, offers one of the most secure solutions for managing and storing digital assets. At the center of this ecosystem is Ledger® Live: Desktop, the powerful companion application that enables users to manage, grow, and secure their crypto portfolio from their computer.

Whether you're new to crypto or switching from another wallet, this guide will walk you through downloading Ledger Live Desktop and getting started with your Ledger Nano S Plus®, Nano X®, or Ledger Stax®.

💻 What is Ledger® Live: Desktop?

Ledger Live: Desktop is the official desktop application from Ledger that allows you to:

Manage 5,500+ crypto assets
Send and receive coins or tokens
Track your real-time portfolio
Install apps on your Ledger hardware wallet
Stake crypto and earn rewards
Connect securely to DeFi and Web3 services

It provides a clean, intuitive interface while ensuring top-level security by requiring hardware confirmation for every transaction. All private keys remain safely stored offline on your Ledger device, giving you full control and ownership of your assets.

📥 How to Download Ledger® Live: Desktop

✅ Step 1: Visit the Official Ledger Website

Start by going to the official download page:

🔗 https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live

⚠️ Important: Only download from the official Ledger site. Never trust third-party sources or ads, which may lead to phishing attempts or malware.

✅ Step 2: Choose Your Operating System

Ledger Live: Desktop supports the following platforms:

Windows 8.1 or later
macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or later
Linux (AppImage or Debian/Ubuntu)

The website will automatically detect your OS and provide the correct version for download. Click “Download” and save the installer file to your computer.

✅ Step 3: Install the Application

Once downloaded:

Windows/macOS: Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions.
Linux: Open a terminal, grant execution permissions, and launch the AppImage.

After installation, launch Ledger Live and ensure your internet connection is stable.

🛠️ Setting Up Ledger® Live on Desktop

After installing the app, here’s how to get started:

🔒 Step 1: Choose Your Ledger Device

Upon launching the app, you’ll be prompted to select your device:

Ledger Nano S Plus®
Ledger Nano X®
Ledger Stax®

Choose your device model and click “Get Started.”

🧾 Step 2: Set Up or Restore Your Wallet

You’ll have two options:

Set up a new device (for new users)
Restore from recovery phrase (if you’ve used Ledger before)

If setting up a new device, connect it to your computer via USB and follow instructions on both the Ledger Live app and hardware device to:

Choose a secure PIN code
Generate and write down your 24-word recovery phrase (keep this offline and never share it)

This phrase is your only backup. If lost, your funds may become irrecoverable.

🔐 Step 3: Perform the Genuine Check

Next, Ledger Live will run a Genuine Check to verify that your hardware wallet is authentic and hasn’t been tampered with. This security feature ensures you're using a trusted device.

💼 Step 4: Install Crypto Apps

Now, go to the Manager tab in Ledger Live and install blockchain apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana) onto your hardware wallet. Each cryptocurrency you want to manage requires its corresponding app installed on the device.

📂 Step 5: Add Accounts

Once apps are installed:

Go to the “Accounts” tab
Click “Add account”
Choose the coin or token
Let Ledger Live sync with the blockchain

Now you can see your balance, past transactions, and manage assets from your desktop.

💸 Sending and Receiving Crypto with Ledger Live Desktop

➕ To Receive Crypto:

Click “Receive” in Ledger Live
Choose the relevant account
Your wallet address appears—verify it on your Ledger device screen
Copy and share the address only after verifying

➖ To Send Crypto:

Click “Send” and select the asset
Enter the recipient’s address and amount
Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device

This dual confirmation process ensures your funds are secure and transactions are never sent without physical approval.

🌟 Key Features of Ledger Live Desktop

Real-Time Portfolio Tracking: Monitor your total balance, individual asset value, and transaction history.
Staking Integration: Stake ETH, DOT, XTZ, and more directly from your desktop and earn rewards.
Secure Asset Swaps: Use integrated partners to swap coins without leaving the app.
Access to DeFi and NFTs: Connect to dApps and Web3 platforms via Ledger Extension for a secure online experience.
Automatic Software Updates: Stay protected with the latest firmware and app enhancements.

🔐 Security Best Practices for Desktop

Never share your 24-word recovery phrase
Always verify receiving addresses on your device
Use Ledger Live password lock for extra protection
Keep your operating system and Ledger software up to date
Don’t connect your device to untrusted computers or public USB ports

✅ Conclusion

Ledger® Live: Desktop offers the perfect balance of security, functionality, and ease of use. By combining the software power of Ledger Live with the cold storage security of Ledger hardware wallets, you gain full control over your crypto assets without compromise.