Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting Started™ with Ledger®

In the world of cryptocurrency, protecting your digital assets is just as important as acquiring them. With scams, phishing attacks, and exchange hacks becoming more common, a secure storage solution is essential. Ledger®, a global leader in hardware wallet security, offers a powerful desktop application known as Ledger® Live that works hand-in-hand with its hardware wallets to give users complete control over their assets.

This guide will walk you through getting started with Ledger® Live on desktop, ensuring that your Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X is set up correctly and your assets are managed securely from day one.

What is Ledger® Live?

Ledger® Live is the official desktop (and mobile) application developed by Ledger® for managing your crypto portfolio. Whether you're sending and receiving cryptocurrency, checking real-time balances, staking assets, or exploring Web3 services, Ledger® Live is your secure control center.

Ledger® Live supports thousands of coins and tokens across multiple blockchains and is designed to be both user-friendly and secure. The key difference between Ledger and traditional wallets is that all transactions must be signed on the physical device — meaning your private keys never leave your Ledger hardware wallet.

Why Use Ledger® Live on Desktop?

While the mobile version of Ledger® Live is great for managing assets on the go, the desktop version offers a larger interface, better integration for multiple accounts, and advanced features like coin control, NFT management, and seamless app installations. For users managing multiple assets or seeking maximum control, the desktop experience provides a secure and efficient environment.

What You Need Before Getting Started

To begin using Ledger® Live on your desktop, make sure you have the following:

  • A Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X hardware wallet
  • A computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux
  • A USB cable to connect your Ledger device
  • A secure internet connection
  • A pen and paper to write down your recovery phrase
  • A quiet, private space to ensure secure setup

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Ledger® Live on Desktop

Step 1: Inspect and Unbox Your Ledger Device

Before plugging anything in, verify that your Ledger device packaging is untampered. Ledger devices do not come with a pre-written recovery phrase. If you find one in the box, it is likely a fake — do not use it.

Step 2: Install Ledger® Live

Go to the official Ledger website from your desktop and download the Ledger® Live application for your operating system. Only use the verified site to avoid counterfeit or malicious software.

Once downloaded, install the application and launch it. You will be presented with options to set up a new device or restore from an existing recovery phrase.

Step 3: Initialize Your Device

If you’re setting up a new Ledger device, follow these steps:

  • Connect your Ledger device to your computer via USB
  • Choose “Set up as new device”
  • Create a PIN code directly on the device
  • Generate your 24-word recovery phrase, shown one word at a time on your device
  • Write down the recovery phrase on paper and store it securely offline

This phrase is your ultimate backup. If your device is lost or damaged, this phrase is the only way to recover your funds. Never take a photo of it, store it online, or share it with anyone.

Step 4: Pair with Ledger® Live

Ledger® Live will then detect your device and guide you through verifying its authenticity. Once verified, you can begin adding crypto accounts for supported blockchains such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and many more.

Each asset requires the installation of a specific app on your Ledger device, which Ledger® Live handles automatically.

Key Features of Ledger® Live Desktop

  • Real-time portfolio tracking across multiple coins and accounts
  • Send and receive crypto assets with verification on your hardware wallet
  • Buy, sell, or swap cryptocurrencies using integrated partners
  • Stake assets like Ethereum, Polkadot, and Tezos
  • NFT management for Ethereum and other EVM-compatible chains
  • Coin control and privacy features for more advanced users
  • Automatic firmware and app updates

Security Tips

  • Never share your recovery phrase or PIN — not with friends, family, or supposed "support agents"
  • Keep your 24-word seed phrase offline, stored in a safe or fireproof document case
  • Use only official software and firmware updates
  • Enable optional passphrase protection for an extra layer of security
  • Beware of phishing websites and unofficial apps that mimic Ledger’s interface

Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase, not through email, text, or phone calls. If someone does, it’s a scam.

Why Ledger® is Trusted Worldwide

Ledger® combines world-class hardware security with a sleek software interface. Its secure element chip and proprietary operating system ensure that your private keys remain isolated and protected. When paired with Ledger® Live, you get a secure, user-friendly way to interact with your digital assets while minimizing exposure to online threats.

Millions of users around the globe rely on Ledger® for managing everything from long-term crypto holdings to daily DeFi and NFT transactions. Its open-source, community-audited approach adds to its transparency and trust.

Final Thoughts

Setting up Ledger® Live on desktop is one of the smartest steps you can take to safeguard your digital assets. The combination of hardware-based security and powerful software control allows you to manage your crypto with confidence. Take your time during setup, back up your recovery phrase securely, and explore the full potential of Ledger® Live’s features.

In an ecosystem where “not your keys, not your crypto” has never been truer, Ledger® empowers you to truly own and protect what’s yours.