Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting Started with LedgerLedger® Live: Desktop | Getting Started with LedgerIn the world of cryptocurrency, security and simplicity are non-negotiable. As digital assets gain traction across the globe, users need reliable tools to manage their portfolios while maintaining full control over their private keys. This is where Ledger® Live: Desktop comes into play. Designed to work seamlessly with Ledger hardware wallets, Ledger Live on desktop provides a robust, all-in-one platform for managing your crypto with confidence.
Whether you're just beginning your crypto journey or you're a seasoned investor, Ledger Live Desktop offers the ideal combination of functionality, transparency, and top-tier security.
Ledger® Live Desktop is the official application from Ledger that acts as a gateway between your Ledger hardware wallet (like the Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X) and the world of cryptocurrencies. This downloadable desktop app allows users to manage a wide variety of crypto assets directly from their personal computers—all while keeping private keys offline and secure.
The app is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible for most users. It also supports a wide range of assets and includes tools for tracking portfolios, staking crypto, buying and swapping tokens, and even managing NFTs.
When using Ledger Live Desktop with a Ledger hardware wallet, your private keys never leave the device. This air-gapped structure ensures that even if your computer is compromised, your crypto remains secure. Transactions must be manually approved on your hardware wallet, making unauthorized access nearly impossible.
Ledger Live Desktop is designed with both beginners and advanced users in mind. Its clean interface and intuitive navigation make it easy to get started, even if you’ve never used a hardware wallet before.
Unlike exchanges where assets are controlled by third parties, Ledger gives you full ownership. With Ledger Live Desktop, you're not just viewing your assets—you’re managing them directly, securely, and without intermediaries.
Before using Ledger Live, you’ll need a Ledger hardware wallet. Choose from:
Ledger Nano S Plus – Affordable and highly secure
Ledger Nano X – Offers Bluetooth and larger storage
Unbox your device and follow the on-screen instructions to:
Set up a secure PIN
Generate your 24-word recovery phrase
Confirm and back up your phrase safely (never store it online)
Visit the official Ledger website and download the correct version of Ledger Live for your operating system. Install the application and launch it.
Use the USB cable to connect your Ledger wallet to your computer. Follow the prompts in Ledger Live to verify your device’s authenticity and finish the initial setup.
Once your device is connected, you can start adding accounts. Each account represents a specific cryptocurrency—Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and many more. You can track balances, receive funds, and send crypto securely from these accounts.
Manage over 5,500 coins and tokens directly from your desktop. This includes popular assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Cardano, as well as ERC-20 and BEP-20 tokens.
The dashboard provides a clear overview of your portfolio value, recent transactions, and asset performance—all updated in real time.
Integrated services allow you to buy crypto with a credit card, sell selected assets, and swap tokens across supported blockchains—without leaving the app.
Stake supported assets like Ethereum, Polkadot, and Tezos and earn passive income while keeping your assets secure in your own custody.
Ledger Live supports NFT visualization and secure storage for Ethereum-based NFTs, with more blockchain integrations coming soon.
Never share your recovery phrase – This phrase gives full access to your assets.
Avoid third-party firmware – Use only the official Ledger Live software.
Enable password lock on the desktop app for added local security.
Regularly update your Ledger firmware and the Ledger Live app to stay protected from vulnerabilities.
Ledger Live Desktop is ideal for:
First-time crypto users who want a secure and simple way to manage assets.
Long-term holders looking for cold storage with usability.
Advanced users exploring DeFi, NFTs, and staking—all from a single platform.
Crypto traders who value real-time insights and self-custody.
If you want complete control of your digital wealth—without sacrificing convenience—Ledger Live Desktop is the way to go.
Getting started with crypto doesn’t have to be complicated or risky. Ledger® Live: Desktop simplifies everything by giving users a secure, comprehensive tool to manage their crypto assets confidently. Paired with a Ledger hardware wallet, it offers one of the most secure and user-friendly setups in the crypto world.
Whether you're storing Bitcoin for the long haul, staking Ethereum, or building an NFT collection, Ledger Live Desktop is your secure launchpad into the decentralized economy.
Start your crypto journey with peace of mind. Start with Ledger.
