Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting Started with Ledger

In the rapidly evolving world of digital finance, the secure management of cryptocurrency assets is paramount. Ledger® Live is the official desktop application from Ledger, designed to work seamlessly with Ledger hardware wallets like the Ledger Nano X and Nano S Plus. With a user-friendly interface and powerful features, Ledger Live makes managing crypto assets straightforward, secure, and convenient for both beginners and seasoned crypto enthusiasts.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting started with Ledger Live for desktop, from downloading the software to managing your assets, installing apps, and making secure transactions.

📥 What Is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is a free, downloadable application that allows users to manage their Ledger hardware wallets from a desktop computer. It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms and is designed to offer a smooth and secure crypto management experience. With it, users can send and receive crypto, install apps on their Ledger devices, check real-time balances, stake coins, and access services like buying, selling, and swapping crypto directly within the app.

🖥️ System Requirements

Before you download Ledger Live, ensure your system meets the minimum requirements:

✅ Operating Systems:

  • Windows: 10 or later (64-bit only)
  • macOS: 10.14 (Mojave) or later
  • Linux: Ubuntu 20.04 (64-bit) or later

✅ Hardware Requirements:

  • USB port to connect your Ledger Nano device
  • Internet connection for real-time updates and app services
  • Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, or Nano X hardware wallet

📦 Step-by-Step: Installing Ledger Live on Desktop

1. Download the App

Go to the official site: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live/download

Always verify you are on the legitimate Ledger website to avoid phishing or malware.

2. Install the App

  • Open the downloaded .exe, .dmg, or .AppImage file depending on your OS.
  • Follow the on-screen installation instructions.
  • Once installed, launch Ledger Live.

3. Set Up Ledger Live

  • Choose a theme (light/dark) and preferred language.
  • Read and accept the terms of use and privacy policy.
  • Optional: Enable analytics to help Ledger improve the app.

🔐 Initial Setup with Your Ledger Device

1. Connect Your Ledger Device

  • Plug your Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X into your computer using a USB cable.
  • Enter your PIN code on the device.

2. Initialize Device (if not already set up)

If this is your first time using a Ledger device:

  • Choose to "Set up as a new device."
  • Follow the device prompts to generate your 24-word recovery phrase.
  • Write down your recovery phrase and store it securely — this is the only backup of your wallet!

3. Open Ledger Live and Select Your Device

In Ledger Live, choose:

“Set up a new device” or “Already have a device” depending on your situation.

The app will guide you through checking your device’s authenticity and setting up your portfolio.

🧩 Installing Apps on Your Ledger Device

Ledger devices support multiple cryptocurrencies, each requiring an individual app to be installed on the device via Ledger Live.

To Install an App:

  1. Go to My Ledger tab (requires unlocking your device).
  2. Grant access on the device.
  3. Search for your desired app (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
  4. Click “Install.”

Each app takes up space on the device’s internal memory. You can uninstall and reinstall apps without losing your assets — private keys stay secure on the device.

💼 Add Accounts & Manage Crypto

After installing an app on your Ledger device, add an account in Ledger Live.

To Add an Account:

  1. Go to the Accounts tab.
  2. Click “Add Account.”
  3. Select the crypto (e.g., Bitcoin).
  4. Ledger Live will sync your wallet and display your balance and recent transactions.

Now your portfolio is active and ready for use.

💸 Send & Receive Crypto Securely

➤ Receiving Crypto

  1. Click “Receive” in Ledger Live.
  2. Choose the account (e.g., Ethereum).
  3. Verify the address displayed in Ledger Live matches the one on your Ledger device screen.
  4. Copy the address and use it to receive funds from exchanges, wallets, or others.

➤ Sending Crypto

  1. Click “Send.”
  2. Choose the account and enter the recipient’s address.
  3. Enter the amount and choose network fees (slow, medium, fast).
  4. Confirm on Ledger Live and verify the transaction on your device.
  5. Approve on the Ledger device to finalize.

This 2-step verification via your physical Ledger device ensures complete security against malware or hackers.

📊 Real-Time Portfolio Tracking

Ledger Live includes a Portfolio dashboard where users can:

  • View total portfolio value
  • See each asset’s real-time value
  • Track daily/monthly performance
  • Sort by assets, account, or value

Data is fetched live from blockchain explorers and market APIs, ensuring accuracy.

🔁 Buy, Sell, Swap & Stake

Ledger Live integrates with trusted partners like MoonPay, Banxa, Changelly, and others. You can perform the following operations within the app without needing third-party wallets.

➤ Buy Crypto

  • Go to “Buy/Sell”
  • Choose the asset and payment method (credit card, bank transfer, etc.)
  • Complete the purchase — funds arrive directly in your Ledger account.

➤ Sell Crypto

  • Only available for certain cryptocurrencies.
  • You must first send the funds from your Ledger to the partner’s address.

➤ Swap Crypto

  • Go to “Swap”
  • Select assets (e.g., ETH → BTC).
  • Choose the amounts and verify the rate.
  • Confirm using your Ledger device.

➤ Staking

You can stake assets like:

  • Ethereum (ETH)
  • Polkadot (DOT)
  • Tezos (XTZ)
  • Solana (SOL)

Go to the “Earn Rewards” tab and follow the staking steps. Earn passive income by securing the network.

🛡️ Security Features in Ledger Live

Security is at the core of the Ledger ecosystem:

1. Private Keys Never Leave Your Device

Even when using Ledger Live, all private keys and seed phrases are securely stored in the secure element of the Ledger hardware wallet.

2. Genuine Check

During setup, Ledger Live verifies that your device is authentic and has not been tampered with.

3. Secure App Installation

Apps are installed from Ledger’s signed repository via secure channels.

4. Transaction Signing on Device

All outgoing transactions must be physically approved on your Ledger device — malware on your computer can’t steal your funds.

🔄 Updates & Backups

➤ Updating Ledger Live

Ledger frequently pushes updates to fix bugs, improve features, and add support for new coins. To update:

  • Click on Settings → About → Check for updates
  • Download and install updates when prompted.

➤ Firmware Updates

Go to My Ledger to check for firmware updates to your Ledger Nano device. Updates may improve performance and add new features.

➤ Backups

Ledger Live doesn't store your seed phrase. You must manually write down and store your 24-word recovery phrase in a secure location.

If you lose or damage your device, you can recover your crypto using the recovery phrase on a new Ledger.

⚙️ Advanced Features

➤ Custom Nodes

Advanced users can connect to their own Bitcoin or Ethereum node for increased privacy and self-sovereignty.

➤ Export Transaction History

Export CSV of all transactions for accounting or tax purposes.

➤ Multiple Portfolios

Create separate portfolios to track different wallets, investments, or family accounts.

➤ Ledger Live Developer Mode

Enables access to beta apps and experimental features (available under Settings → Experimental).

🧩 Supported Coins & Tokens

Ledger Live supports over 5,500 coins and tokens, including:

  • Bitcoin (BTC)
  • Ethereum (ETH)
  • Solana (SOL)
  • Ripple (XRP)
  • Litecoin (LTC)
  • Polkadot (DOT)
  • Binance Coin (BNB)
  • Chainlink (LINK)
  • Tether (USDT)
  • Cardano (ADA)
    ...and thousands of ERC-20, BEP-20, and TRC-20 tokens.

Not all assets are supported natively. Some require third-party wallets like MetaMask to interact via Ledger.

📞 Support & Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues:

  • Visit https://support.ledger.com
  • Use the Help tab within Ledger Live
  • Join the Ledger Community on Reddit or Discord
  • Submit a support ticket via the Ledger site

Always avoid unofficial forums or anyone asking for your 24-word recovery phrase.

📌 Final Thoughts

Ledger Live Desktop transforms your Ledger hardware wallet into a powerful command center for managing crypto assets. With support for thousands of coins, built-in buy/sell/swap options, and robust security protocols, it provides a convenient, secure, and feature-rich experience.

Whether you’re just starting your crypto journey or you’re managing a complex digital portfolio, Ledger Live gives you the tools to stay in control — all from the safety of your own desktop.

🔐 Your keys. Your crypto. Your Ledger.