Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting Started with Ledger® 💼🔐

Managing your cryptocurrency safely and efficiently begins with the right tools—and Ledger® Live is one of the best. Designed for use with Ledger hardware wallets like the Ledger Nano S Plus® and Ledger Nano X®, Ledger Live gives you an all-in-one interface to store, send, receive, and grow your digital assets.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned crypto investor, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to get started with Ledger Live on desktop, ensuring you set up your wallet securely and confidently.

🧩 What Is Ledger® Live?

Ledger® Live is the official software companion for Ledger hardware wallets. It serves as a secure bridge between your Ledger device and the blockchain, allowing you to manage your assets without ever exposing your private keys to online threats.

Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, Ledger Live supports hundreds of cryptocurrencies, including:

Bitcoin (BTC)
Ethereum (ETH)
XRP
Solana (SOL)
Polkadot (DOT)
And over 5,000+ tokens

🖥️ Step 1: Download Ledger Live (Desktop Version)

Start by visiting the official Ledger website: ledger.com/start
From there, download the correct version of Ledger Live for your operating system. Be sure to only download from the official site to avoid counterfeit or malicious software.

Once downloaded, follow the installation instructions to set up Ledger Live on your desktop.

🔌 Step 2: Connect Your Ledger Device

After launching Ledger Live:

Plug in your Ledger Nano X® or Nano S Plus® via USB.
Unlock the device by entering your PIN code.
If it’s a new device, you’ll be guided to set it up and generate your 24-word recovery phrase.

🛑 Important: Never share your recovery phrase with anyone or enter it online. It is the only way to recover your crypto if your device is lost or damaged.

⚙️ Step 3: Install Apps for Crypto Assets

Ledger devices don’t hold cryptocurrencies directly—they store the keys to access them on the blockchain.

To manage a specific asset (like BTC or ETH), you’ll need to install its corresponding app:

Open Ledger Live
Go to “My Ledger”
Choose your crypto and click Install

Apps allow your device to interact securely with the selected blockchain.

💰 Step 4: Add Accounts and Start Transacting

With your crypto apps installed, you can now:

Add accounts for each cryptocurrency
Receive crypto by generating a secure wallet address
Send crypto after confirming transactions on your device
View your portfolio, including balances and performance

Each transaction requires physical confirmation on your Ledger device, ensuring maximum protection against unauthorized access.

📈 Step 5: Explore More Features

Ledger Live also offers:

Buy, sell, and swap crypto through integrated services
Staking options for assets like Polkadot, Tezos, and Ethereum
NFT management (for Ethereum and Polygon NFTs)
Custom transaction fees and advanced settings

✅ Final Thoughts

Getting started with Ledger® Live on desktop gives you the full power of secure self-custody. Paired with your Ledger hardware wallet, it offers a seamless, trusted way to manage your digital assets.