Ledger Live Desktop — Getting Started

Manage Your Digital Assets From Your Desktop

Ledger Live Desktop is the desktop companion for Ledger hardware wallets, providing a convenient interface for managing supported crypto assets, installing applications, viewing accounts, and interacting with your Ledger device. Ledger now brands the application as Ledger Wallet™, formerly known as Ledger Live™.

Whether you are setting up a new Ledger device or already manage a crypto portfolio, the desktop application brings essential wallet functions together in one place.

What Is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is designed to work with Ledger hardware wallets on supported desktop operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It allows users to manage crypto accounts while using their physical Ledger device to verify and authorize transactions.

With the application, you can:

• Connect and manage a compatible Ledger hardware wallet.
• Install and manage cryptocurrency applications on your device.
• Add and manage supported crypto accounts.
• View balances and transaction activity.
• Send and receive supported digital assets.
• Review transaction information before confirming actions on your Ledger device.
• Access supported services and Web3 functionality.

How to Get Started With Ledger Live Desktop

Getting started begins with downloading the desktop application from Ledger's official website. Ledger provides versions for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

1. Download the Official Application

Visit the official Ledger website and download the appropriate Ledger Wallet™ desktop application for your operating system.

Avoid downloading wallet software from advertisements, unofficial websites, file-sharing platforms, or links sent through unexpected messages. Using an authentic source is an important first step in protecting your wallet.

2. Connect Your Ledger Device

Connect your compatible Ledger hardware wallet to your computer using the appropriate cable. Open the desktop application and follow the on-screen setup instructions.

Your physical Ledger device remains an important part of the security process because transactions can require confirmation on the hardware wallet itself.

3. Complete Device Setup

If you are using a new Ledger device, follow the application's setup instructions to initialize it. Depending on your situation, you may create a new wallet or restore an existing wallet using your recovery information.

Your recovery phrase is extremely sensitive. Never share it with another person, enter it into a website, or provide it to someone claiming to be Ledger Support.

4. Install the Required Crypto Apps

After connecting your device, use the My Ledger section to install the applications required for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage. Ledger's official guidance explains that these applications are installed through the Ledger Wallet application.

5. Add Your Accounts

Once the necessary applications are installed, follow the desktop application's instructions to add the corresponding crypto accounts. You can then view supported assets and manage your accounts from the desktop interface.

Why Use Ledger Live Desktop?

Managing crypto can involve multiple networks, accounts, and applications. Ledger's desktop software provides a centralized interface while pairing with a hardware wallet for transaction authorization.

Protect Your Wallet

Security should remain your highest priority when using Ledger Live Desktop.

Always download software from Ledger's official website, keep your recovery phrase offline and private, and carefully verify transaction information on your physical Ledger device before approving it.

Ledger will never need your secret recovery phrase to provide ordinary support. Anyone asking for your recovery phrase, PIN, or private credentials should be treated as suspicious.

Download Ledger Live Desktop Safely

For the current desktop application and official setup instructions, use Ledger's official download and getting-started pages rather than third-party download sources. Ledger's current website provides desktop downloads for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Start with the official Ledger Wallet™ desktop application and follow the on-screen instructions to connect, configure, and manage your Ledger hardware wallet securely.