Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting Started with Ledger
Ledger Live® Desktop is the official software interface for Ledger hardware wallets (Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.). It allows you to manage your crypto assets securely while keeping your private keys offline. Whether you’re new to hardware wallets or migrating from a different solution, this guide walks you through everything you need to get started.
🔹 What Is Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live is a desktop application for Windows, macOS, and Linux that works with Ledger devices to provide a secure interface for:
- Creating and restoring wallets
- Managing thousands of crypto assets
- Sending, receiving, buying, and swapping coins and tokens
- Staking supported assets
- Installing apps for specific blockchains
All sensitive operations—like signing transactions—are verified directly on your Ledger device, keeping your private keys isolated from internet-connected devices.
🧩 Step 1: Download Ledger Live Desktop
- Go to the official site: ledger.com/start
- Choose your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
- Download and install the latest version of Ledger Live
Important: Only download from the official Ledger website to avoid phishing or malware risks.
🔐 Step 2: Set Up or Restore Your Ledger Device
Once Ledger Live is installed:
- Open the application and connect your Ledger device via USB
- Click “Get Started” and follow the on-screen steps
- Choose whether you want to:
- Set up a new device – generate a new 24-word recovery phrase
- Restore from recovery phrase – if you already have a Ledger recovery phrase
If setting up a new device:
- The device will generate a 24-word seed phrase
- Write it down on the provided recovery sheet (do not store digitally)
- You’ll be prompted to confirm several words to ensure accuracy
- Choose and confirm a secure PIN code on the device
⚙️ Step 3: Install Apps & Add Crypto Accounts
Once your device is initialized:
- Go to the Manager tab in Ledger Live
- Install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum)
- Next, go to Accounts > Add Account
- Select the coin or token and confirm the process on your device
Your public wallet addresses will now be visible in Ledger Live, but your private keys stay safely inside the device.
💸 Step 4: Send & Receive Crypto Securely
To receive crypto:
- Go to Receive in Ledger Live
- Select the account/coin
- Verify the receiving address on your Ledger device screen
- Copy or share the verified address
To send crypto:
- Click Send
- Paste the recipient’s wallet address and amount
- Confirm transaction details on your Ledger device screen
Only transactions confirmed physically on your Ledger can be processed—protecting you against malware and phishing.
🔄 Step 5: Buy, Swap, and Stake (Optional)
Ledger Live supports third-party services that allow you to:
- Buy crypto with fiat using MoonPay, Banxa, etc.
- Swap coins and tokens directly in-app
- Stake supported assets like Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Polkadot (DOT), and others
Go to the Discover section to explore services and DeFi apps integrated with Ledger Live.
🛡️ Security Best Practices
To keep your crypto assets safe:
- Always download software from ledger.com
- Never share your 24-word recovery phrase
- Always verify addresses and transactions on your Ledger device
- Use a strong PIN code and store your seed phrase in a secure offline location
- Enable passphrase protection for advanced users needing extra layers of security
🧠 Need Help?
Ledger offers comprehensive support:
- In-app Help tab with FAQs
- 24/7 Ledger Support Portal: support.ledger.com
- Community resources on Reddit, Discord, and X (Twitter)
You can also reset your device or reinstall Ledger Live without losing your funds—so long as you have your 24-word recovery phrase.
✅ Conclusion
Ledger Live Desktop, combined with a Ledger hardware wallet, gives you one of the safest environments for managing crypto. With full control, user-friendly tools, and essential security features, it is the ideal solution for beginners and seasoned investors alike.