Ledger Live Desktop® — Getting Started | Official Ledger Wallet
Ledger Live Desktop — Manage Your Crypto Securely
Ledger Live Desktop is the official application for managing cryptocurrency using your Ledger hardware wallet. Compatible with devices like the Ledger Nano X and Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Live Desktop provides a secure, intuitive interface to send, receive, swap, and stake crypto assets, all while keeping your private keys offline.
Unlike online wallets or exchange accounts, Ledger Live Desktop ensures maximum security by requiring physical confirmation on your Ledger device for every transaction.
What Is Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop is a full-featured desktop application that connects directly to your Ledger hardware wallet. It acts as a bridge between your device and blockchain networks, allowing you to:
- Monitor portfolio balances in real-time
- Track transaction history across multiple accounts
- Send, receive, and swap cryptocurrencies safely
- Stake supported assets for rewards
- Install cryptocurrency apps on your Ledger device
Ledger Live Desktop combines security, convenience, and robust portfolio management in one platform.
Key Features of Ledger Live Desktop
🔒 Hardware-Level Security
All sensitive operations occur on your Ledger device, keeping private keys offline. Even if your computer is compromised, unauthorized transactions cannot occur.
📊 Portfolio Management
Ledger Live Desktop provides a dashboard to view balances, account details, and portfolio performance. You can track multiple accounts across different cryptocurrencies in one place.
💱 Built-In Swap Functionality
Swap supported tokens directly within Ledger Live Desktop. Ledger aggregates multiple liquidity providers to provide competitive rates while maintaining security.
💰 Staking Rewards
Stake eligible cryptocurrencies directly through Ledger Live Desktop without exposing your funds to third-party risks.
🌐 Multi-Currency Support
Ledger Live Desktop supports hundreds of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and ERC-20 tokens, enabling centralized management of diverse portfolios.
How to Download Ledger Live Desktop
- Go to the official Ledger.com/Start® page.
- Select the desktop version for your operating system: Windows, macOS, or Linux.
- Download and install the application following on-screen instructions.
- Connect your Ledger hardware wallet using USB (or Bluetooth for Ledger Nano X).
Always download Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger site to avoid phishing attacks or malware.
Setting Up Ledger Live Desktop
- Open Ledger Live Desktop and click Get Started.
- Connect your Ledger device and choose Set up as new device or Restore from recovery phrase.
- Install supported cryptocurrency apps on your Ledger device via the Manager tab.
- Add cryptocurrency accounts to track your holdings and transactions.
Following these steps ensures your wallet is securely initialized and ready to manage your crypto.
Sending and Receiving Cryptocurrency
Receiving Crypto:
- Open Ledger Live Desktop and select the desired account
- Click Receive
- Verify the wallet address on your Ledger device
- Share this address with the sender
Sending Crypto:
- Click Send, enter recipient address and amount
- Review fees and transaction details
- Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device
Physical confirmation on your hardware wallet ensures maximum security.
Security Best Practices
- Never share your 24-word recovery phrase
- Keep Ledger Live Desktop and firmware updated
- Verify addresses directly on the Ledger device before confirming transactions
- Only download Ledger Live Desktop from Ledger.com/Start®
- Enable passphrase protection for extra security
Troubleshooting Ledger Live Desktop
- Device not detected: Check USB cable or try a different port
- PIN issues: Ensure you enter the correct PIN; too many attempts may lock your device temporarily
- Application crashes: Reinstall Ledger Live Desktop from the official site
- Transaction errors: Confirm addresses on-device and check network fees
For more help, visit the Ledger Support Center.
Ledger Live Desktop provides a secure and comprehensive platform for managing cryptocurrency. By combining hardware-level security with an intuitive desktop interface, it ensures your crypto remains safe while giving you full control over your assets.