Ledger Live Desktop — Begin Your Wallet Setup | Ledger® Official

Starting your crypto journey securely begins with Ledger Live Desktop, the official companion application for your Ledger hardware wallet. Designed to give you complete control over your digital assets, Ledger Live Desktop provides a seamless, secure, and intuitive environment to manage, buy, sell, stake, and grow your cryptocurrency portfolio.

Developed by Ledger, Ledger Live Desktop works perfectly with industry-leading hardware wallets like Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X, ensuring your private keys remain offline and protected at all times.


What Is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application that allows you to securely manage your crypto assets through your Ledger device. Unlike web wallets or exchange wallets, Ledger Live connects directly with your hardware wallet, meaning your private keys never leave your device.

This combination of hardware and software delivers next-level protection while still offering a smooth user experience. Whether you’re a beginner setting up your first wallet or an advanced investor managing multiple assets, Ledger Live Desktop makes the process simple and secure.


Why Choose Ledger Live Desktop?

When it comes to cryptocurrency security, control and transparency matter. Ledger Live Desktop provides:

🔐 Advanced Security Architecture

Your private keys stay inside your Ledger hardware wallet. Transactions must be physically confirmed on your device, preventing remote hacks and phishing attempts.

🌍 Multi-Asset Support

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

  • Bitcoin (BTC)
  • Ethereum (ETH)
  • USDT
  • Solana (SOL)
  • Polygon (MATIC)

You can install multiple blockchain apps directly from the Manager section of Ledger Live Desktop.

📊 Real-Time Portfolio Tracking

Track balances, monitor asset performance, and analyze portfolio growth — all within one secure dashboard.

💱 Buy, Sell & Swap

Access integrated crypto services directly from Ledger Live Desktop without compromising private key security.


How to Begin Your Wallet Setup

Setting up Ledger Live Desktop is quick and straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. Download Ledger Live Desktop

Visit the official Ledger website and download the Ledger Live Desktop application for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

2. Install the Application

Open the installer and follow on-screen instructions. Once installed, launch Ledger Live Desktop.

3. Connect Your Ledger Device

Plug in your Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X using a USB cable.

4. Initialize or Restore Wallet

  • Set up as new device – Create a new wallet and securely write down your 24-word recovery phrase.
  • Restore device – Enter your existing 24-word recovery phrase to recover funds.

5. Install Apps & Add Accounts

Use the Manager tab to install blockchain apps, then add accounts for each crypto asset you want to manage.

You are now ready to securely send, receive, and manage your digital assets using Ledger Live Desktop.


Key Features of Ledger Live Desktop

Secure Transaction Verification

Every transaction must be confirmed physically on your Ledger device. This eliminates unauthorized transfers.

Staking Made Simple

Stake supported cryptocurrencies directly inside Ledger Live Desktop and earn rewards while maintaining full control of your assets.

Firmware Updates

Ledger Live Desktop allows you to update your device firmware securely, ensuring you always benefit from the latest security improvements.

Custom Fee Settings

Advanced users can adjust network fees for faster or more cost-efficient transactions.


Security Best Practices

While Ledger Live Desktop is built with enterprise-grade security, users should follow best practices:

  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase.
  • Only download Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger website.
  • Verify transactions on your device screen before approving.
  • Keep your recovery phrase offline and stored securely.

Remember, Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. If anyone does, it is a scam.


Ledger Live Desktop vs Online Wallets

Unlike browser wallets or exchange wallets, Ledger Live Desktop offers:

FeatureLedger Live DesktopOnline Wallet
Private Key Control✅ Yes❌ No
Offline Storage✅ Yes❌ No
Physical Transaction Confirmation✅ Yes❌ No
Exchange Risk❌ None⚠️ Possible

Using Ledger Live Desktop significantly reduces exposure to hacks, phishing, and centralized exchange failures.


Who Should Use Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is ideal for:

  • Long-term crypto investors
  • DeFi participants
  • NFT collectors
  • Traders seeking cold-storage protection
  • Anyone serious about digital asset security

If you value ownership, privacy, and control, Ledger Live Desktop is the right solution.


Seamless Integration with Ledger Devices

Ledger Live Desktop works flawlessly with:

  • Ledger Nano S Plus
  • Ledger Nano X

These devices use Secure Element chip technology to safeguard your private keys against physical and digital threats.


Continuous Innovation by Ledger

Since its founding, Ledger has become a global leader in cryptocurrency security. Ledger Live Desktop reflects this commitment to innovation by combining usability, transparency, and world-class security standards.

Regular updates enhance functionality, improve performance, and strengthen protective measures.


Final Thoughts

Ledger Live Desktop is more than just a wallet interface — it’s a complete crypto management ecosystem built around security and user control. By pairing Ledger Live Desktop with a Ledger hardware wallet, you eliminate many of the vulnerabilities associated with online storage.

If you’re ready to take full ownership of your digital assets, begin your wallet setup today with Ledger Live Desktop and experience the confidence that comes from true self-custody.

Secure. Simple. Official. Ledger Live Desktop.