Ledger Live Desktop | Getting Started | Official Ledger® Wallet

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27 Feb 2026 — 4 min read

Welcome to the official guide for Ledger Live Desktop—your one-stop platform to get started with your Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you are new to cryptocurrencies or a seasoned trader, Ledger Live Desktop provides a secure, intuitive, and powerful interface to manage, monitor, and protect your digital assets. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the setup process, highlight key features, and answer frequently asked questions so you can begin managing your crypto with confidence.

Overview: What is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets, including the Ledger Nano X and Ledger Nano S Plus. Designed for desktop computers (Windows, macOS, and Linux), it provides a secure interface to interact with your Ledger device, manage multiple cryptocurrencies, and perform transactions safely.

Unlike online wallets or exchanges, Ledger Live keeps your private keys offline on your Ledger device. This ensures that your funds remain safe from online threats, phishing attacks, and malware. Ledger Live Desktop acts as the bridge between your offline wallet and the crypto network, offering a user-friendly experience without compromising security.

Getting Started with Ledger Live Desktop

Starting with Ledger Live Desktop is simple. Follow these steps to set up your wallet and begin managing your crypto assets:

Step 1: Download and Install Ledger Live

Visit the official Ledger website: ledger.com/ledger-live
Download the desktop version compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
Follow the installation instructions to launch the application.

Step 2: Connect Your Ledger Device

Use the provided USB cable to connect your Ledger device to your computer.
Unlock your device by entering your PIN code.

Step 3: Set Up a New Wallet or Restore Existing Wallet

New Wallet: Generate a new wallet and write down the recovery phrase carefully. This phrase allows you to recover your assets if the device is lost or damaged.
Restore Wallet: If you already have a Ledger wallet, you can restore it using your existing recovery phrase.

Step 4: Install Apps on Your Ledger Device

Ledger Live Desktop supports multiple cryptocurrencies. After setting up your wallet, install the apps for the coins and tokens you wish to manage. This ensures your Ledger device can securely sign transactions for each asset.

Step 5: Add Accounts

Once apps are installed, create accounts for each cryptocurrency. Ledger Live Desktop will synchronize balances, transaction history, and allow you to send or receive assets safely.

Features of Ledger Live Desktop

Ledger Live Desktop is packed with features designed to make managing your cryptocurrencies seamless and secure:

🔒 Industry-Leading Security

Your private keys never leave your Ledger device.
All transactions are signed offline, keeping your crypto safe from hackers.
Ledger Live ensures firmware is authentic before installation.

💰 Multi-Crypto Support

Manage over 5,500 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and more.
Compatible with multiple tokens and stablecoins.

📊 Portfolio Overview

Track your total portfolio value in real time.
View balances, recent transactions, and account history in one dashboard.
Get insights with detailed charts and analytics.

🔄 Send and Receive Crypto

Initiate transactions directly from Ledger Live Desktop.
Confirm transactions on your hardware device for maximum security.
Generate addresses for receiving funds safely.

🔧 Firmware and App Management

Keep your Ledger device up to date with the latest firmware.
Install or remove cryptocurrency apps on your device easily.
Ledger Live Desktop automatically verifies the integrity of updates.

🛡️ Recovery and Backup

Your recovery phrase acts as a master key to restore your wallet.
Ledger Live Desktop provides guidance on safely storing your recovery phrase.
Supports restoring multiple wallets on one device.

🌐 Staking and DeFi Integration

Stake supported coins directly from Ledger Live Desktop.
Explore decentralized finance opportunities securely without exposing private keys.

📈 Market Data

Real-time price tracking for all supported cryptocurrencies.
Receive notifications for market movements and price alerts.

🔄 Portfolio Synchronization

Sync your Ledger accounts across multiple devices.
Maintain a consistent portfolio view on desktop and mobile Ledger Live apps.

Why Choose Ledger Live Desktop?

Choosing Ledger Live Desktop ensures you are using the official software from Ledger®, reducing the risk of phishing attacks and fake wallets. Unlike web wallets or exchange apps, Ledger Live keeps your private keys offline, giving you true self-custody over your crypto assets. The combination of a Ledger hardware wallet and Ledger Live Desktop is considered one of the most secure ways to store and manage cryptocurrency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ Is Ledger Live Desktop safe to use?

Yes. Ledger Live Desktop is the official software by Ledger®. It never stores private keys on your computer, keeping your funds secure.

❓ Can I use Ledger Live Desktop without a Ledger device?

No. Ledger Live requires a connected Ledger hardware wallet to access your crypto accounts.

❓ How do I update Ledger Live Desktop?

The app will notify you when a new version is available. Always download updates from the official Ledger website. Firmware updates for your device are also managed through Ledger Live Desktop.

❓ What happens if I lose my Ledger device?

You can recover your funds using your recovery phrase on a new Ledger device. Never share this phrase with anyone.

❓ Does Ledger Live Desktop support mobile devices?

Ledger Live has a mobile version, but for initial setup and advanced management, desktop use is recommended.

❓ Can I manage multiple Ledger devices with Ledger Live Desktop?

Yes. You can connect multiple Ledger wallets and manage different accounts within one Ledger Live Desktop instance.

❓ Are my crypto balances visible to Ledger?

No. Ledger Live Desktop operates locally. Ledger does not have access to your balances or private keys.

Final Thoughts

Ledger Live Desktop is more than a wallet application—it’s a secure gateway to take full control of your cryptocurrency assets. By combining the security of a Ledger® hardware wallet with the powerful and intuitive interface of Ledger Live Desktop, users can safely send, receive, track, and grow their crypto portfolio.