Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started™ | Official Ledger Wallet

Ledger Live Desktop is the official application developed by Ledger to manage cryptocurrencies securely on your computer. It allows you to monitor your portfolio, send and receive crypto, and interact with blockchain networks—all while keeping your private keys safely offline on your Ledger hardware wallet.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced investor, Ledger Live Desktop provides a powerful, user-friendly platform for securely managing digital assets from your desktop.

What Is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is a standalone application designed for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. It acts as a bridge between your Ledger hardware wallet and blockchain networks, enabling you to manage cryptocurrencies safely without exposing your private keys online.

Unlike browser-based wallets or exchanges, Ledger Live Desktop ensures that all sensitive operations, including transaction signing, happen directly on your hardware wallet, providing an extra layer of protection.

Key Features of Ledger Live Desktop

1. Secure Crypto Management

Ledger Live Desktop integrates with Ledger’s Secure Element hardware wallet to ensure that private keys never leave the device. Every transaction must be physically confirmed, protecting you from hacking attempts, malware, and phishing attacks.

2. Multi-Currency Support

Ledger Live Desktop supports thousands of cryptocurrencies and tokens, including:

  • Bitcoin (BTC)
  • Ethereum (ETH)
  • Litecoin (LTC)
  • Cardano (ADA)
  • ERC-20 tokens and other blockchain assets

This allows users to manage multiple digital assets within a single application.

3. Portfolio Overview

Ledger Live Desktop provides a clear, real-time overview of your crypto holdings, including balances, market values, and historical performance, making portfolio tracking simple and transparent.

4. Send, Receive, and Swap

The application allows you to securely send and receive cryptocurrencies, as well as swap between supported coins using integrated services. All transactions are verified on the Ledger device to prevent errors or attacks.

Getting Started with Ledger Live Desktop

Step 1: Download Ledger Live Desktop

Go to the official Ledger website and download the Ledger Live Desktop app for your operating system. Always ensure you are downloading from the official source to avoid malicious software.

Step 2: Install the Application

Follow the on-screen instructions to install Ledger Live Desktop. Once installed, launch the app.

Step 3: Connect Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

Connect your Ledger device (Nano X, Nano S Plus, or other supported devices) using a USB cable. Enter your PIN code to unlock the hardware wallet.

Step 4: Set Up or Restore Your Wallet

You can either:

  • Create a new wallet, generating a 24-word recovery phrase
  • Restore an existing wallet using your recovery phrase

Follow the instructions carefully to ensure proper setup.

Installing and Managing Cryptocurrency Apps

Ledger Live Desktop allows you to install individual apps on your Ledger device for each cryptocurrency. This system ensures flexibility while maintaining maximum security, as each app is isolated and verified.

You can install or remove apps directly from the Ledger Live interface without affecting your funds.

Security and Privacy Features

Ledger Live Desktop is built with privacy and security in mind:

  • Private keys remain on your Ledger device
  • Every transaction requires physical confirmation
  • PIN code and optional passphrase enhance device protection
  • Open-source software for transparency

By keeping keys offline, Ledger Live Desktop provides hardware-level security unmatched by software-only wallets.

Using Ledger Live Desktop with Web3 and dApps

Ledger Live Desktop can integrate with supported Web3 applications, allowing you to:

  • Interact with decentralized applications (dApps)
  • Manage NFTs and DeFi assets
  • Sign smart contracts securely on your Ledger device

All sensitive operations still require approval on the hardware wallet, maintaining strong security standards.

Common Ledger Live Desktop Issues and Solutions

Device Not Detected

  • Ensure the Ledger device is connected and unlocked
  • Try a different USB port or cable
  • Restart Ledger Live Desktop

Transaction Approval Problems

  • Check firmware is up to date
  • Ensure you confirm transactions on the Ledger device screen

App Installation Issues

  • Update Ledger Live Desktop to the latest version
  • Verify sufficient device storage for additional apps

Ledger provides detailed documentation and support to resolve most common issues.

Why Choose Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is trusted because it combines:

  • Hardware-level security with a user-friendly interface
  • Support for multiple cryptocurrencies
  • Real-time portfolio tracking
  • Secure integration with Web3 apps and exchanges

It gives users confidence that their crypto assets are protected and fully under their control.

Final Thoughts

Ledger Live Desktop is an essential tool for anyone using a Ledger hardware wallet. By combining offline key storage, secure transaction verification, and an intuitive interface, it offers one of the safest ways to manage cryptocurrencies on a computer.

Whether you are sending, receiving, or tracking your portfolio, Ledger Live Desktop ensures your digital assets remain safe, private, and easily manageable from your desktop.