Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting started

olilio

— 2 min read

Ledger Live Desktop is the official application for managing your Ledger hardware wallet and securing your digital assets with ease. Whether you’re setting up your Ledger device for the first time or restoring an existing wallet, Ledger Live Desktop guides you step-by-step to ensure a safe and smooth start.

What Is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is a powerful crypto management app designed to work hand-in-hand with Ledger hardware wallets such as:

  • Ledger Nano S Plus
  • Ledger Nano X
  • Ledger Stax

It centralizes your crypto activity—letting you install apps, add accounts, send and receive crypto, buy or swap tokens, and track your portfolio—all backed by Ledger’s industry-leading security.

How to Get Started with Ledger® Live Desktop

1. Download Ledger Live Desktop

Visit the official Ledger website and choose the correct version for your operating system:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux

Once downloaded, install the app and open it on your desktop.

2. Choose Your Ledger Device

When the app launches, select your device:

  • Ledger Nano S Plus
  • Ledger Nano X
  • Ledger Stax

Ledger Live will then guide you through setup or recovery.

3. Set Up as a New Device

If your Ledger wallet is brand new:

  1. Connect the device to your computer.
  2. Follow the on-screen steps to create a new wallet.
  3. Write down your 24-word recovery phrase on the supplied recovery sheet.
  4. Confirm the phrase on your device.

Important: Never share your recovery phrase with anyone. Ledger will never ask for it.

4. Restore an Existing Wallet

If you already have a recovery phrase, simply select “Restore from Recovery Phrase” and enter your 24 words on the Ledger device. Ledger Live will sync your accounts afterward.

5. Install Apps & Add Crypto Accounts

Ledger Live Desktop uses “apps” to support different cryptocurrencies.

  • Open Ledger Live
  • Go to My Ledger
  • Install apps like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, or others
  • Add accounts for the coins you want to manage

Now you can send, receive, or track your crypto assets directly from the app.

6. Manage Your Portfolio

Ledger Live Desktop offers:

  • Real-time balance updates
  • Transaction history
  • Market price tracking
  • Portfolio overview
  • Performance insights

You can manage multiple assets and networks from a single dashboard.

Key Features of Ledger Live Desktop

✔ Secure Transactions

Every transaction must be physically confirmed on your Ledger device—ensuring your private keys stay offline and protected.

✔ Buy, Sell, Swap Crypto

Use integrated partners inside Ledger Live to:

  • Buy crypto
  • Sell digital assets
  • Swap tokens across supported networks

Your assets remain in your custody at all times.

✔ Staking Made Simple

Earn rewards by staking supported assets like:

  • Ethereum
  • Solana
  • Polkadot
  • Cosmos

Stake and claim rewards with ease—all while keeping your keys secure.

Conclusion

Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting Started is the safest and simplest way to begin your cryptocurrency journey with a Ledger hardware wallet. The app’s guided setup, powerful management features, and unmatched security provide everything you need to protect and grow your digital assets with confidence.

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