Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting Started With Ledger® Support

Your Complete Guide to Installing, Using & Securing Ledger Live on Desktop

👋 Welcome to Ledger® Live on Desktop!

Ledger® Live is the official software companion for your Ledger hardware wallet, available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It provides a secure, user-friendly interface to manage your crypto assets, check your portfolio, and interact with Web3 — all while keeping your private keys offline.

If you're ready to start your crypto journey or take full control of your existing assets, this guide will walk you through everything from download to expert tips.

💻 What Is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is a full-featured application that allows you to:

  • Manage your crypto accounts
  • Send and receive cryptocurrencies securely
  • View your portfolio performance
  • Stake tokens and earn rewards
  • Buy, sell, and swap coins with integrated partners
  • Manage your NFTs
  • Connect to Web3 and decentralized applications

Unlike hot wallets or exchange accounts, Ledger Live works with your Ledger Nano X® or Nano S Plus® to keep your private keys safe on your hardware device.

📥 Step-by-Step: How to Download Ledger Live on Desktop

Step 1: Go to the Official Ledger Site

Only download Ledger Live from the official source to avoid scams or malware. Fake versions can steal your crypto.

Step 2: Choose Your Operating System

Select your OS:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux

Click “Download” and follow the installation instructions.

Step 3: Install and Launch

Once downloaded, install the app. Open it, and you’ll be greeted with the welcome screen to begin setup.

🧑‍🔧 Initial Setup in Ledger Live

  1. Open the app and select “Get Started.”
  2. Choose your device model: Nano X or Nano S Plus.
  3. If you already have a wallet, select “Connect Existing Device.”
  4. If you’re new, choose “Set up as new device.”
  5. Ledger Live will guide you through device setup including:
  • Setting a PIN on your hardware wallet
  • Generating your 24-word recovery phrase
  • Confirming device authenticity
  1. Connect your device to Ledger Live by unlocking it and allowing the manager.
💡 Ledger Tip: Never share your recovery phrase. Write it down and store it offline — never on your phone or computer.

🔑 Understanding the 24-Word Recovery Phrase

Your 24-word phrase is the master key to your wallet.

Do:

  • Write it on the provided sheet
  • Store it in a safe place
  • Keep multiple copies (in different secure locations)

Don't:

  • Store it digitally
  • Take a photo
  • Share it with anyone
This phrase gives full access to your funds. Anyone with it can take your crypto.

🔄 Install Crypto Apps on Your Ledger

Each crypto asset (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) requires its own app on the Ledger device.

To install apps:

  1. Navigate to Manager in Ledger Live
  2. Approve the connection on your hardware wallet
  3. Find your coin and click Install

After installing the app, you’ll be able to create accounts and manage funds for that crypto.

📤 Sending & 📥 Receiving Crypto in Ledger Live

Receive Crypto:

  1. Click “Receive”
  2. Select the account
  3. Ledger will display your wallet address
  4. Verify it on your device screen
  5. Share the address with the sender

Send Crypto:

  1. Click “Send”
  2. Enter the recipient’s address and amount
  3. Confirm the transaction on your device screen
  4. Click Approve to send

All actions must be physically verified, which protects you from phishing or malware attacks.

📊 Managing Your Portfolio

The Portfolio tab shows you:

  • Total asset value
  • Price charts and historical data
  • Asset allocation (BTC, ETH, etc.)
  • Real-time balances

You can sort assets, view transaction history, and monitor changes over time.

💱 Buy, Sell & Swap Crypto with Ledger Live

You can use Ledger Live’s integrated services to:

  • Buy crypto with fiat (USD, EUR, etc.) using credit card or bank transfer
  • Swap between cryptocurrencies instantly
  • Sell certain assets directly to fiat (varies by region)

Each transaction is protected by your device, requiring your manual confirmation.

🌿 Staking Made Simple

Stake and earn rewards by locking supported assets directly in Ledger Live:

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

You’ll see real-time reward projections and be able to claim rewards when available.

🖼 Manage NFTs with Ledger Live

Ledger Live supports Ethereum and Polygon NFTs. You can:

  • View NFT images and metadata
  • Receive NFTs safely
  • Send NFTs while confirming every step on your device

Great for collectors who want security without losing functionality.

🌐 Connect to Web3 & DeFi

With Ledger Live + Ledger Extension, you can:

  • Use Web3 dApps
  • Trade on DEXs like Uniswap
  • Connect to NFT marketplaces like OpenSea
  • Access decentralized finance platforms securely

Your hardware wallet signs every smart contract interaction, ensuring no rogue actions are taken.