In the world of cryptocurrency, security is everything. Whether you're just starting out or already building your portfolio, keeping your digital assets safe is essential. Ledger® Live for Desktop is the trusted companion application that pairs with Ledger’s hardware wallets to provide secure, user-friendly crypto management.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting started with Ledger Live on your desktop — from setup to portfolio management, and beyond.
Ledger Live is a free, official desktop application developed by Ledger, designed to help users manage their crypto securely through Ledger’s hardware wallets — including the Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X.
With Ledger Live on desktop, you can:
And the best part? All your private keys remain securely stored on your Ledger hardware device, never exposed to the internet.
To use Ledger Live on your desktop, make sure your device meets the following requirements:
Here’s how to get started with Ledger Live for Desktop:
Go to the official site: ledger.com/ledger-live
Download the correct version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
⚠️ Avoid downloading from third-party sites to prevent scams or fake software.
Follow your system’s standard installation procedure. Once installed, open the app and agree to the terms and conditions.
Plug in your Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X using the USB cable. Unlock it by entering your PIN.
If you're setting it up for the first time, choose:
📄 Important: Write your recovery phrase down and store it securely offline. Never share it.
After initial setup, go to the “Manager” section in Ledger Live. Install apps for the coins you want to use (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
Your Ledger device may prompt you to allow Ledger Manager access. Approve it on the device.
Navigate to Accounts > Add Account, choose your coin (like BTC or ETH), and Ledger Live will sync your wallet address. You can now receive and manage your crypto.
Once your accounts are added, you’ll have access to a dashboard showing:
You can also rename accounts, group them by asset, or add tags for easier tracking.
💡 Ledger Live ensures every transaction is securely signed through the hardware device.
Ledger Live Desktop offers more than basic wallet functionality:
Purchase Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other assets through partners like MoonPay or Coinify directly inside Ledger Live.
Exchange one crypto for another instantly with integration from platforms like Changelly and Paraswap.
Stake supported assets like ETH, SOL, DOT, or XTZ and earn passive rewards securely.
View and send Ethereum- or Polygon-based NFTs directly in the Ledger Live "Discover" tab.
To interact with dApps (Decentralized Applications), install the Ledger Extension (available on Chrome and Brave browsers). This lets you:
Every interaction must be verified on your Ledger device — keeping you protected from malicious scripts and phishing attacks.
Need help? Ledger offers extensive support resources:
Setting up Ledger Live on Desktop is your first step toward fully secured, self-custodied crypto. With an easy-to-use interface and full control over your private keys, Ledger Live empowers you to manage your assets with confidence.
🔐 Your crypto. Your keys. Your future.