Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting Started with Ledgér®

Welcome to Ledger® Live: Desktop, your official software companion for managing and securing your cryptocurrency with Ledger® hardware wallets. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to get started with Ledger Live on desktop, from installation to sending your first transaction.

Ledger Live offers a powerful yet user-friendly interface to help you manage your digital assets securely, with full control and confidence. Whether you’re using a Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Ledger Stax™, Ledger Live ensures seamless interaction with your device.


✅ What Is Ledger® Live?

Ledger Live is the official desktop application developed by Ledger for interacting with your hardware wallet. It allows you to:

  • Set up and initialize your Ledger device
  • Install crypto apps and add accounts
  • Send and receive cryptocurrencies
  • Buy, sell, and stake assets
  • Manage NFTs and explore Web3 dApps

Ledger Live keeps your private keys offline and your transactions secure. It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.


🖥️ Step 1: Download Ledger Live for Desktop

The first step is downloading Ledger Live from the official website only.

👉 Go to: https://www.ledger.com/start

  1. Click on “Download Ledger Live”
  2. Select your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
  3. Follow your system prompts to install the application

⚠️ Security Tip: Never download Ledger Live from unofficial sources or third-party sites.


🔐 Step 2: Launch Ledger Live and Begin Setup

Once installed, open Ledger Live. On your first launch, you'll be guided through the onboarding process.

You’ll be prompted to:

  1. Set up a new device
  • If you’re starting fresh, choose this option and follow the steps.
  1. Restore a device from recovery phrase
  • Choose this if you’re restoring an existing wallet using your 24-word phrase.
  1. Use an already-initialized device
  • If you already set up your Ledger on another system, simply connect your device.

Next, you’ll be asked to:

  • Connect your Ledger device using the USB cable
  • Enter your PIN code on the hardware wallet
  • Allow Ledger Manager access on your device when prompted

✍️ Step 3: Install Apps & Add Crypto Accounts

Ledger Live uses apps to manage different blockchains. For example, to use Bitcoin, you need the Bitcoin app installed on your Ledger device.

To install an app:

  1. Go to “Manager” in the Ledger Live sidebar
  2. Unlock your Ledger device
  3. Search for the app (e.g., Ethereum, Solana, Cardano)
  4. Click “Install”

After installing apps, you can add accounts to Ledger Live:

  • Go to Accounts > Add Account
  • Select the crypto asset
  • Follow the prompts to sync your wallet with the blockchain

Your balances will now appear in the Ledger Live dashboard.


💰 Step 4: Receive and Send Crypto

Now you’re ready to move funds in and out of your wallet.

To receive:

  1. Click “Receive” in Ledger Live
  2. Choose the crypto account
  3. Connect and unlock your Ledger device
  4. Verify the address on the device screen
  5. Share your address to receive funds

To send:

  1. Click “Send”
  2. Enter the recipient’s address and amount
  3. Confirm the transaction in Ledger Live
  4. Physically verify and approve it on your Ledger device

All outgoing transactions require physical confirmation on your Ledger device, keeping your funds secure.


🔒 Safety Reminders

Your Ledger device is only as secure as how you use it. Here are critical safety tips:

  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase
  • Ledger will never contact you asking for your seed phrase
  • Only download Ledger Live from ledger.com
  • Bookmark the site: https://www.ledger.com/start
  • Avoid browser extensions claiming to be Ledger-related

🌐 Explore More with Ledger Live

Ledger Live isn’t just for basic transactions. It also supports:

  • Staking: Earn rewards with coins like ETH, DOT, ADA, and ATOM
  • Buy & Sell Crypto: Integrated partners let you buy/sell directly in Ledger Live
  • NFT Support: View, receive, and send NFTs (Ethereum & Solana)
  • Web3 Access: Connect securely to dApps using Ledger Extension or MetaMask + Ledger

All this while your private keys stay safely stored on your Ledger device — never exposed online.


🆘 Get Help Anytime

Need support? The Ledger team has you covered:

  • 📚 Help Center: support.ledger.com
  • 🎥 Tutorials: Ledger’s YouTube Channel
  • 📰 Ledger Blog & Academy: Learn best practices and crypto trends
  • 💬 Live Chat Support (Mon–Fri via Ledger Support)

Always use official channels—scammers often impersonate support agents in forums or social media.


✅ You’re Now Ready to Secure Your Crypto

Congratulations — you’ve set up Ledger Live on desktop and taken the first step toward secure, self-custodied crypto. With Ledger Live, your portfolio is always in your hands, your keys are offline, and your peace of mind is real.

🔐 Your crypto. Your keys. Your Ledger.
👉 Start now: https://www.ledger.com/start