Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting Started with Ledger®

Cryptocurrency ownership puts you in complete control of your digital assets—but with that power comes responsibility. To secure your assets effectively, a hardware wallet is essential, and Ledger® is one of the most trusted names in crypto security. Combined with Ledger Live® Desktop, you gain a powerful, user-friendly platform to manage your crypto offline and securely.

This guide provides a complete overview of getting started with Ledger Live® Desktop, from setup to sending and receiving your first transaction.

What is Ledger Live®?

Ledger Live® is the official companion app for Ledger hardware wallets. It allows you to:

Set up and initialize your device
Manage and view your crypto portfolio
Send and receive assets
Install crypto-specific apps on your Ledger
Access features like staking, swapping, and NFTs
Keep your device firmware and apps up to date

Ledger Live is available on desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile (iOS and Android), but this article focuses on the desktop version, which offers maximum control and features.

Step 1: Download Ledger Live® Desktop

To begin, go to the official Ledger website: www.ledger.com/start. This ensures you’re downloading software from a verified source, avoiding phishing risks.

Download Options:

Windows (64-bit)
macOS
Linux

After downloading the installer, follow the prompts to install Ledger Live on your computer.

✅ Tip: Bookmark Ledger.com to ensure you always use the official site.

Step 2: Connect and Set Up Your Ledger Device

Once Ledger Live is installed, launch the app and click "Get Started." Follow the guided steps to begin setting up your Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Ledger Stax.

Choose your device model and select:

“Set up as new device” (if you're using it for the first time)
“Restore from recovery phrase” (if migrating from a previous wallet)

Now, connect your device using the USB cable provided.

Step 3: Initialize Your Device

You’ll be prompted to:

Set a PIN code (4–8 digits) directly on the Ledger device.
Write down your 24-word recovery phrase on the recovery sheet provided.

⚠️ Important: Your recovery phrase is the only way to recover your funds. Ledger will never ask for it. Never store it digitally or online.

Step 4: Access the Ledger Live® Dashboard

Once your Ledger device is initialized and unlocked with your PIN, you’ll access the Ledger Live dashboard.

Here you can:

Add cryptocurrency accounts
View your total portfolio balance
Manage each individual asset
Install or uninstall crypto apps
Check device memory usage

The intuitive layout makes navigation easy even for beginners.

Step 5: Install Apps for Supported Coins

To manage cryptocurrencies, you need to install the corresponding apps on your Ledger device.

How to install apps:

In Ledger Live, click on "My Ledger" (you’ll need to unlock your device and allow access).
Browse or search for your desired crypto apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
Click "Install" next to each coin.

Each app is stored on the Ledger device and enables secure transaction signing.

Step 6: Add Crypto Accounts

After installing apps, go to the “Accounts” section to create accounts for each coin you want to manage.

To add an account:

Click "Add Account"
Select the coin (e.g., Ethereum)
Let Ledger Live sync with the blockchain
Confirm the process on your Ledger device

Now your account will appear on the main dashboard with its balance and transaction history.

Step 7: Receive and Send Crypto

With accounts set up, you can start receiving and sending crypto safely.

To Receive:

Click “Receive”
Select the correct account
Verify the address shown on your Ledger device
Copy or scan the verified address

Always verify the receiving address on your device screen to ensure it hasn't been tampered with by malware.

To Send:

Click “Send”
Enter the recipient’s address and amount
Confirm and sign the transaction on your Ledger device

Transactions are only validated when physically confirmed on your device, protecting your private keys from online threats.

Step 8: Explore Additional Features

Ledger Live offers more than just basic crypto management. You can also:

✅ Swap Crypto

Use built-in integrations with partners to exchange one coin for another without leaving the app.

✅ Stake Coins

Earn passive income by staking supported tokens like Ethereum, Tezos, Polkadot, and more.

✅ Track Portfolio Performance

View real-time and historical price charts across your assets.

✅ Manage NFTs

Ledger Live supports Ethereum and Polygon-based NFTs, allowing you to view and transfer them securely.

Security Best Practices

To maximize your crypto security with Ledger Live:

Always use the official Ledger site to download updates.
Keep your recovery phrase safe, offline, and private.
Update firmware and apps regularly through Ledger Live.
Beware of phishing—Ledger will never ask for your 24-word phrase.
Use a strong PIN and never share it.

For added security, consider backing up your recovery phrase using a metal seed backup instead of paper.

Troubleshooting and Support

Encounter an issue? Ledger offers multiple support channels:

In-app Help Tab with FAQs and walkthroughs
Ledger Help Center: support.ledger.com
Ledger Academy: ledger.com/academy
Community Support on Reddit, Twitter, and Discord

Tip: For faster support, use the chat option inside Ledger Live Desktop.

Conclusion: Control Your Crypto with Confidence

Getting started with Ledger Live® Desktop is the smartest step you can take toward true financial sovereignty. By pairing a Ledger hardware wallet with the power of Ledger Live, you keep your digital assets safe from online threats—while still enjoying the convenience of managing everything in one place.