Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting Started – Ledger® Support Guide

In the world of digital finance, cryptocurrency ownership comes with great responsibility—mainly, keeping your assets secure. That's where Ledger® comes in. Known for its industry-leading hardware wallets like the Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X, Ledger also offers an equally powerful companion app: Ledger Live: Desktop.

Designed for secure portfolio management, Ledger Live Desktop allows users to safely manage thousands of cryptocurrencies, track balances, buy, sell, and stake assets—all while keeping private keys offline and protected. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started using Ledger Live on your desktop, directly from the trusted team at Ledger® Support.

💻 What Is Ledger Live: Desktop?

Ledger Live: Desktop is the desktop version of Ledger’s official app. It’s your go-to interface for interacting with your Ledger hardware wallet and the blockchain. Whether you are holding Bitcoin, Ethereum, or altcoins, Ledger Live enables you to perform key actions like:

Unlike browser extensions or online wallets, Ledger Live keeps your private keys offline, only signing transactions when you physically confirm them on your hardware device.

📥 Step 1: Download Ledger Live (Desktop Version)

Your first step is to download the official Ledger Live app for desktop. Go to:

🔗 https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live

Download the version compatible with your operating system—Windows, macOS, or Linux. Make sure to only use the official Ledger site to avoid tampered software or phishing scams.

Once downloaded, install and launch the application.

🔐 Step 2: Set Up Your Ledger Device

If you’re new to Ledger, you’ll need to initialize your Ledger hardware wallet:

  1. Power on your Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X
  2. Choose “Set up as a new device”
  3. Select and confirm a PIN code
  4. Write down your 24-word recovery phrase shown on the device
  5. Confirm the phrase by selecting each word in order

This 24-word phrase is your only backup in case you lose your device. Never store it digitally or share it with anyone.

🔗 Step 3: Connect Device to Ledger Live

Once your Ledger device is set up, it’s time to connect it to Ledger Live.

  1. Launch the Ledger Live Desktop app
  2. Click “Get Started”
  3. Select your device model (Nano S Plus or Nano X)
  4. Connect via USB (or Bluetooth, if using Nano X on mobile)
  5. Perform the Genuine Check to verify the authenticity of your Ledger

This important step ensures your device hasn’t been compromised.

📁 Step 4: Add Your Crypto Accounts

Ledger Live supports thousands of cryptocurrencies. To manage your assets:

  1. Navigate to the “Accounts” section
  2. Click “Add Account”
  3. Choose the coin (e.g., BTC, ETH, ADA)
  4. Install the app for that coin on your Ledger device
  5. Let Ledger Live scan the blockchain and sync your wallet

You can add multiple accounts and organize them in folders for easier management.

📤 Step 5: Send & Receive Crypto Safely

Receiving Crypto:

Sending Crypto:

This double verification system is what keeps your crypto safe—even if your computer is compromised.

📈 Step 6: Monitor & Manage Your Portfolio

Ledger Live offers an integrated portfolio dashboard that displays:

With this visibility, you can make more informed decisions while maintaining security.

🌐 Explore Advanced Features

Ledger Live: Desktop isn’t just for storing coins. It also allows you to:

The app evolves continuously with updates and new features.

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