Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started™

Securely Manage Your Crypto Assets with Industry-Leading Cold Storage Technology

⚠️ SECURITY FIRST: Ledger will never ask for your 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase. Never enter your phrase into any website, app, or software. Only ever enter it physically on your Ledger device.

Empowering Your Financial Sovereignty

In the rapidly evolving world of Web3 and decentralized finance, the Ledger® Live Desktop application stands as the ultimate command center for your digital wealth. It is not just a software interface; it is the bridge between the convenience of your computer and the unhackable security of your Ledger hardware wallet.

Whether you are managing a diverse portfolio of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, or exploring the vast landscape of NFTs and Staking, Ledger Live provides a unified, visual, and highly secure environment. By keeping your private keys offline in a Secure Element chip (EAL5+ certified), Ledger ensures that even if your computer is compromised, your funds remain untouchable.

        Why Millions Choose Ledger Live Desktop
        All-in-One Dashboard: Track your real-time portfolio value and historical performance across multiple chains.
Direct Staking: Put your idle assets to work and earn rewards directly through the "Earn" section.
Clear Signing: Protect yourself against blind-signing scams by verifying every transaction detail on your device's screen.
Deep Liquidity: Buy, sell, and swap crypto using integrated partners like MoonPay, Banxa, and Changelly.

    

How to Get Started: Step-by-Step Setup

Step 1 Download and Installation

Begin by navigating to the official Ledger.com/start page. Select your operating system (Windows 10/11, macOS 12+, or Linux Ubuntu). Once the executable file is downloaded, run the installer and follow the prompts to place Ledger Live into your applications folder.

Step 2 Device Connection & Initialization

Connect your Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Ledger Stax using the provided USB-C cable. Open the app and select "Set up a new device" if you are starting fresh, or "Restore from recovery phrase" if you are migrating from an old wallet.

Step 3 The Genuine Check

This is a unique Ledger security feature. The desktop app will communicate with your hardware to verify that the device is authentic and hasn't been tampered with by third parties. Once the "Your device is genuine" message appears, you are ready to proceed.

Step 4 Installing Apps & Adding Accounts

Your Ledger device uses individual "Apps" for different blockchains (e.g., the Bitcoin App, the Ethereum App). Use the Manager tab in Ledger Live to install these. After installing an app, click on "Add Account" to synchronize your blockchain data and begin receiving funds.

Ledger Live Desktop Interface Overview

Section	Primary Function
Portfolio	View your total balance, asset allocation, and price performance charts.
Market	Real-time price tracking, market cap data, and trending coins list.
Discover	Access dApps (decentralized apps) like 1inch, Lido, and Rarible directly.
Earn	Manage staking for SOL, ETH, DOT, and more to grow your holdings.
My Ledger	The control center for firmware updates and app management.

Advanced Features for Power Users

Web3 Integration via the Discover Section

Ledger Live is no longer just a wallet; it's a gateway. Through the **Discover** tab, you can interact with DeFi protocols and NFT marketplaces without ever leaving the security of the Ledger ecosystem. This eliminates the need to connect to potentially malicious external sites, as the apps within Ledger Live are curated and tested for safety.

Ledger Recover (Optional)

For users who fear losing their 24-word recovery phrase, Ledger offers a subscription-based service called Ledger Recover. This service allows you to create a secure, encrypted backup of your phrase linked to your identity, providing a safety net for those who want extra peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use Ledger Live on multiple computers?

Yes. Your accounts are stored on the blockchain, and your keys are on your device. You can install Ledger Live on as many PCs as you like; you simply need to plug in your device and "Add Account" to sync your balances on each new machine.

2. What should I do if my Ledger device is not recognized?

First, try a different USB port and ensure you are using the original Ledger cable. If the issue persists, check if "Ledger Live" needs an update or try restarting your computer. For Linux users, ensure you have set up the 'udev rules' correctly.

3. Do I need to keep Ledger Live open to receive crypto?

No. Because crypto is sent to your address on the blockchain, you can receive funds even when your Ledger is unplugged and your computer is turned off. You only need the device to *send* or *stake* assets.

4. Why does the app ask me to uninstall apps to update firmware?

On older models like the Nano S, storage is limited. Uninstalling an app (like Bitcoin) does not delete your funds. You can simply reinstall the app after the firmware update, and your accounts will be exactly as you left them.

5. Is Ledger Live Desktop safer than the Mobile App?

Both offer the same level of hardware-backed security. However, the Desktop version often receives feature updates (like advanced staking or specific dApp integrations) slightly earlier than the mobile versions.

Official Web Resources

Always ensure you are visiting genuine Ledger domains to protect your assets: