Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started

Ledger® Live: Desktop® is the official companion application that helps you securely manage your crypto assets. Designed to work seamlessly with Ledger hardware wallets, Ledger Live Desktop offers an intuitive interface to buy, sell, send, receive, and stake cryptocurrencies—while keeping your private keys safe offline.

This guide will take you step-by-step through getting started with Ledger Live Desktop, from installation to account setup, core features, and best practices for security.

What Is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is a downloadable application for Windows, macOS, and Linux that acts as the control center for your Ledger hardware wallet. Unlike web wallets, it adds an extra layer of security by isolating sensitive operations on your desktop.

With Ledger Live Desktop, you can manage thousands of cryptocurrencies, track your portfolio, and interact with decentralized applications—all while keeping your private keys secure.

Installing Ledger Live Desktop

Getting started is simple:

  1. Download the application from the official Ledger website
  2. Install it on your desktop operating system
  3. Launch the app and select “Get Started”
  4. Connect your Ledger hardware wallet via USB
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up or restore your device

Once installed, Ledger Live Desktop will guide you through firmware checks and the installation of cryptocurrency apps for your chosen assets.

Tip: Always download Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger site to avoid phishing or fake versions.

Learn more about installation: Ledger Live Desktop Installation Guide.

Setting Up Your Accounts

After connecting your device, you can start adding crypto accounts. Ledger Live Desktop supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Polygon, and thousands of other assets.

Steps to add an account:

  • Click Accounts
  • Select Add account
  • Choose your cryptocurrency
  • Confirm the addition on your Ledger device

Each account is secured by your hardware wallet. All transactions require physical confirmation, ensuring that your funds remain protected.

Explore more about accounts: Managing Accounts in Ledger Live Desktop.

Core Features of Ledger Live Desktop

Portfolio Management

Ledger Live Desktop provides a real-time overview of your crypto portfolio. You can monitor balances, track market value, and analyze performance over time.

Secure Transactions

Every transaction requires verification on your Ledger device, giving you full control over outgoing funds.

Buy, Sell, and Swap

Through integrated partners, you can buy, sell, or swap cryptocurrencies directly inside Ledger Live Desktop, reducing reliance on third-party exchanges.

Staking and Rewards

Ledger Live Desktop supports staking for several assets, enabling users to earn rewards while keeping funds secure.

Discover all features: Ledger Live Desktop Features.

Security Best Practices

Ledger Live Desktop is designed with security in mind, but user habits are equally important:

  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase
  • Keep your operating system updated
  • Lock your Ledger device when not in use
  • Always download Ledger Live Desktop from the official site

Combining hardware-level security with Ledger Live Desktop ensures one of the safest crypto management setups available.

Learn more: Ledger Live Desktop Security Tips.

Keeping Ledger Live Desktop Updated

Regular updates unlock new features, asset support, and security improvements. Ledger Live Desktop notifies you when updates are available, and installation is usually just a click away.

Keeping Ledger Live Desktop updated ensures compatibility with the latest Ledger device firmware and blockchain upgrades.

Read the full guide: Updating Ledger Live Desktop.

Why Choose Ledger Live Desktop?

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crypto user, Ledger Live Desktop balances simplicity, functionality, and security. It eliminates reliance on hot wallets while offering all the modern tools needed to manage crypto assets confidently.

Ledger Live Desktop is the cornerstone of Ledger’s ecosystem for anyone who values ownership, transparency, and protection.

Final Thoughts

Ledger® Live: Desktop® is more than a wallet—it’s your secure gateway to managing crypto responsibly. With intuitive setup, robust features, and enterprise-grade security, Ledger Live Desktop empowers users to take full control of their digital assets.

Get started today with Ledger Live Desktop and experience secure crypto management at your fingertips.