Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started
This guide walks you through downloading, installing, and using Ledger Live Desktop with your Ledger hardware wallet. Learn how to add accounts, send and receive cryptocurrency, track your portfolio, and follow security best practices.
Desktop App
Ledger Live Desktop is available for Windows, macOS and Linux, designed to pair with Ledger Nano devices for secure operations.
Send & Receive
Create and sign transactions with your Ledger device so private keys never leave the hardware.
Portfolio & Insights
Track balances, transaction history and performance across all connected accounts in one place.
Why use Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop provides a secure, feature-rich companion to Ledger hardware wallets. The desktop app simplifies account management, supports firmware and app updates, and offers features like staking, swap integrations and portfolio analytics — all while ensuring critical signing operations occur on your Ledger device.
Download Ledger Live Desktop
Get the official Ledger Live Desktop app for your operating system. Always download from the official Ledger website to avoid counterfeit installers.
Tip: Verify the checksum when possible and confirm installer authenticity via Ledger’s official resources.
Getting Started: Setup & Add Accounts
These steps walk you through connecting your Ledger device to Ledger Live Desktop, initializing accounts, and making your first transactions.
1) Install & Launch
Run the downloaded installer, grant necessary permissions, and open Ledger Live Desktop. Accept the terms and follow any first-run prompts.
2) Connect Your Ledger
Plug in your Ledger Nano S / Nano S Plus / Nano X (or use Bluetooth for Nano X). Unlock the device with your PIN and open the Ledger Live dashboard.
3) Add Accounts
In Ledger Live, choose the cryptocurrency you want to add, follow the on-screen prompts, and approve account creation on your device. Repeat to add multiple accounts for different assets.
4) Receive Crypto
Select the account you want to receive into, click Receive, and verify the address shown in Ledger Live matches the address on your device before sharing it.
5) Send Crypto
Create a transaction in Ledger Live: enter recipient address and amount, review network fees, then confirm details and sign the transaction on your Ledger device.
6) Track & Manage
Use the Portfolio tab for a consolidated overview of your holdings, track price movements and export transaction history for tax or accounting needs.
Security Best Practices for Desktop Use
Combining Ledger Live Desktop with a Ledger hardware wallet keeps private keys isolated. Follow these best practices to maximize security.
Keep Keys Offline
Private keys live on your Ledger device. Never enter your recovery phrase into Ledger Live or any website.
PIN & Recovery Phrase
Choose a strong PIN, write your recovery phrase on the provided card, and store it offline in a secure place.
Official Updates Only
Install Ledger Live updates and firmware only from Ledger’s official website. Avoid unofficial tools and links shared via social media.
Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger support will never ask for it. If you suspect compromise, move funds after restoring to a new device with a new recovery phrase.
Advanced Desktop Features
Ledger Live Desktop includes advanced capabilities for power users: manage multiple accounts, use swap services, delegate tokens for staking, export CSV reports, and review firmware change logs. Developers and institutional users can integrate with supported third-party services where Ledger provides custody protection.
Staking from Desktop
Stake supported assets directly via Ledger Live and monitor rewards and performance without exposing keys.
Swap & Integrations
Access swap partners and dApp integrations through Ledger Live to exchange assets or use DeFi services while keeping keys secure.
Support & Resources
If you need help, Ledger’s Help Center includes step-by-step articles, troubleshooting guides, and security recommendations. Reach official support via Ledger.com; beware of impostor sites and social media accounts.
- Help Center articles for onboarding and troubleshooting
- Firmware and release notes for Ledger devices
- Community guides and developer documentation
Start with the Help Center, then contact official support if the issue persists. Never share your recovery phrase with anyone claiming to help.