Getting™ Started | Ledger® Live: Desktop® — official (EN-us)

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14 Jan 2026 — 5 min read

Introduction

Ledger Live Desktop is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It allows users to manage their cryptocurrency securely on their computers. The software provides a comprehensive interface for checking balances, sending and receiving assets, installing applications on your device, and accessing additional services. In this guide, you will learn how to install Ledger Live Desktop, set up a new wallet or recover an existing one, manage assets, and leverage advanced features securely.

Ledger Live Desktop ensures that your private keys stay inside your Ledger device at all times, while the application acts as a bridge between your hardware wallet and the blockchain. With regular updates and built‑in security checks, Ledger Live Desktop remains one of the most trusted tools in the crypto ecosystem for managing digital assets safely and efficiently.

What is Ledger Live Desktop
System Requirements
Downloading and Installing
Connecting Your Ledger Device
Initial Setup: New vs Existing Wallet
Understanding the Dashboard
Adding Accounts and Supported Cryptocurrencies
Sending and Receiving Crypto
Installing Applications on Ledger Device
Managing App Updates
Security Settings and Best Practices
Staking and Network Features
Portfolio Overview and Performance
Buying and Swapping Crypto
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Tips for Safe Usage
Summary and Next Steps

1. What is Ledger Live Desktop

Ledger Live Desktop is a full‑featured desktop application developed by Ledger to manage the assets held on Ledger hardware wallets. It acts as an interface between the secure chip of the Ledger device and the external blockchain networks. Unlike web‑based wallets, Ledger Live runs locally on your machine for enhanced security and an improved user experience.

The application supports over 5,000 tokens, multiple blockchains, and integrates native features such as staking, portfolio analytics, and decentralized finance (DeFi) access.

2. System Requirements

To use Ledger Live Desktop, you must ensure your computer meets basic requirements:

Operating System: Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.14 or later, or recent Linux distributions
Processor: Contemporary 64‑bit CPU
RAM: Minimum 4GB (8GB recommended)
Storage: At least 200MB free space for the application
USB Port: Required to connect the Ledger device

Having an up‑to‑date browser and system drivers ensures smoother connectivity and fewer device communication errors.

3. Downloading and Installing

Begin by visiting the official Ledger website to download the Ledger Live Desktop installer. Avoid third‑party download sources to minimize security risks.

Steps:

Open your web browser and navigate to ledger.com/start.
Select your operating system from the options offered (Windows, macOS, Linux).
Download the installer file and run it once the download completes.
Follow the on‑screen instructions to complete installation.

After installation, open Ledger Live Desktop to begin the initial onboarding process.

4. Connecting Your Ledger Device

Once Ledger Live is installed, connect your Ledger hardware wallet (such as Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X) using the provided USB cable.

When connected:

Open Ledger Live Desktop.
The application should detect your device automatically.
You may be prompted to enter your PIN on the Ledger device before connecting.

Ledger Live Desktop and your Ledger device work together to authorize actions. Any transaction or change must be confirmed on the device itself, ensuring private keys never leave the device.

5. Initial Setup: New vs Existing Wallet

During first launch, Ledger Live Desktop will prompt you to choose between setting up a new wallet or recovering an existing one.

Setting Up a New Wallet

If you are new to Ledger:

Select “Set up a new device” in Ledger Live.
Follow the instructions to generate a new recovery phrase on your Ledger device.
Write down the recovery phrase carefully and store it offline in a safe location.
Do not take pictures or store it digitally.

Recovering an Existing Wallet

If you already have a Ledger recovery phrase:

Choose “Restore device from recovery phrase.”
Input your recovery phrase using the device’s buttons.
Once restored, open Ledger Live and synchronize your accounts.

Recovery phrases are the only way to regain access to your crypto if the device is lost or damaged. Always treat them with the highest level of security.

6. Understanding the Dashboard

After setup and account addition, the main screen of Ledger Live Desktop becomes your dashboard. It includes:

Portfolio Value: Total value of all your assets
Recent Transactions: A live view of recent activity
Account Balances: Individual balances per cryptocurrency
Market Data: Price changes and trends

The dashboard provides real‑time visibility of holdings and is the central hub for navigating Ledger Live’s features.

7. Adding Accounts and Supported Cryptocurrencies

Ledger Live supports multiple blockchains and tokens. To add an account:

Click “Add account.”
Choose the cryptocurrency you want to add.
Confirm on your Ledger device when prompted.
Ledger Live will scan the blockchain to retrieve your balance and history.

Accounts can be added for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Polygon, and many others. Supported assets can be found in the Ledger Live catalog.

8. Sending and Receiving Crypto

Transactions in Ledger Live involve two main actions: sending and receiving.

Receiving Crypto

Navigate to the relevant account.
Click “Receive.”
Ledger Live will generate an address.
Confirm the address shown matches the one on your Ledger device.
Share this address with the sender.

Sending Crypto

Select the appropriate account.
Click “Send.”
Enter the recipient address and amount.
Confirm details and authorize on your Ledger device.

Every transaction requires confirmation on the hardware wallet, preventing unauthorized transfers.

9. Installing Applications on Ledger Device

Each blockchain supported by Ledger Live requires a corresponding app on your Ledger hardware wallet.

To install apps:

Go to “Manager” in Ledger Live.
Browse the list of supported applications.
Click “Install” next to the desired asset.

Apps stay on the device and enable communication between Ledger Live and the blockchain. You can uninstall apps at any time and reinstall them later without losing account data, as long as the recovery phrase is secure.

10. Managing App Updates

Ledger Live regularly offers app updates to improve compatibility and security.

Updates appear in the Manager section.
Always update both Ledger Live and device firmware before making significant changes to your setup.
Firmware updates also include important security enhancements.

Never install software or files outside of Ledger Live or the official Ledger Manager.

11. Security Settings and Best Practices

Safety is central to Ledger’s design. Follow these practices:

Never share your recovery phrase with anyone.
Always verify addresses on the device display.
Keep Ledger Live updated to ensure you benefit from security patches.
Use a secure, malware‑free computer when managing assets.
Enable additional passcodes or device locks when available.

Ledger Live does not have access to your private keys, but it is still critical to maintain secure practices on your computer and physical environment.

12. Staking and Network Features

Ledger Live integrates network services such as staking for certain assets like Tezos or Cardano.

To stake:

Navigate to the account that supports staking.
Click “Earn rewards” or “Stake” as available.
Follow the instructions to delegate to a validator.

Staking through Ledger Live keeps funds secure while allowing you to earn network rewards.

13. Portfolio Overview and Performance

Ledger Live’s portfolio feature gives historical views of your holdings. You can:

Track performance over time
Display allocation by asset
Review historical gain/loss

This analytical view helps you make informed decisions without exposing sensitive keys.

14. Buying and Swapping Crypto

Ledger Live offers integrated services for purchasing assets or swapping between cryptocurrencies.

Buy: Use Ledger Live’s partners to buy crypto with fiat.
Swap: Convert one cryptocurrency to another without leaving the app.

Fees, rates, and partner services vary depending on region and asset.

15. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Device Not Recognized

Ensure the USB cable is fully connected.
Try a different USB port.
Update Ledger Live.

Sync Errors

Check your internet connection.
Restart Ledger Live.

Missing Balances

Refresh the account.
Confirm you are on the correct network.

Ledger Live has built‑in tools to refresh, resynchronize, and repair accounts.

16. Tips for Safe Usage

Avoid public Wi‑Fi while managing assets.
Back up recovery phrases securely in multiple physical locations.
Do not store recovery phrases electronically.
Regularly review transactions and activity.
Verify blockchain fees before sending.

Security is layered: device, recovery phrase, and local environment all contribute to asset safety.

17. Summary and Next Steps

Ledger Live Desktop is a secure, feature‑rich application that turns your Ledger device into a powerful crypto management tool. From setup to advanced features like staking and portfolio analytics, it covers every essential function for responsible asset management.

To continue your journey:

Explore additional network features like decentralized finance access.
Integrate mobile version syncing with your desktop.
Learn more about supported assets and consult Ledger’s official knowledge base for updates.

With careful setup, disciplined security practices, and regular updates, Ledger Live Desktop becomes the centerpiece of your cryptocurrency experience.