Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting Started with Ledger®

Welcome! Let’s walk through how to safely and securely start using Ledger Live Desktop with your Ledger® hardware wallet. Track, swap, stake, and protect your crypto—all in one place.

Download Ledger Live Desktop

What Is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the official non‑custodial desktop application from Ledger®. When paired with a Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, Stax, etc.), it enables you to manage your crypto assets while keeping your private keys securely offline in the device’s Secure Element. Ledger Live Desktop supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. It allows you to send & receive crypto, stake, swap, install apps on your Ledger device, manage NFTs, and more. The key is security: confirmations and sensitive operations always happen on the hardware device. This is underlined in Ledger’s Getting Started with Ledger Live support article. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Why Choose Ledger Live Desktop?

• Full Asset Control: Your private keys remain on the hardware device; Ledger Live only offers the interface. You own your crypto. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Secure Setup Flow: Ledger provides a verified “genuine check” inside Ledger Live that confirms your device is authentic. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Multi‑Coin & Token Support: Manage hundreds of cryptocurrencies—Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and many tokens—via Ledger Live Desktop. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Cross‑Platform: Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux desktops. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Advanced Features: Staking, swapping, managing NFTs, firmware updates—all from one trusted app. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Before You Begin

Here’s what you’ll need before setting up Ledger Live Desktop:

• A Ledger hardware wallet (e.g. Ledger Nano S Plus®, Nano X®, or Ledger Stax). :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• A desktop computer running Windows 10 (or later), macOS, or a supported Linux distro. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• A USB cable (or Bluetooth if using Nano X/Stax where supported for mobile, but desktop connects via USB). :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Pen and paper for writing down your 24‑word recovery phrase (provided with your device). Never digitize it. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• About 10‑15 minutes of uninterrupted time to finish setup and authentications. Recommended.

Getting Started: Step‑by‑Step Setup

1. Download Ledger Live: Visit ledger.com/ledger-live or go through Ledger.com/start to ensure authenticity. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
2. Install the App: Follow your OS‑specific installer (Windows .exe, macOS .dmg, Linux package). Open Ledger Live Desktop after install.
3. Get Started in the App: On the welcome screen, click “Get started”, choose your device model (Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.). :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
4. Set Up or Restore Your Device: If new, follow “Set up as new device”; if recovering, use “Restore from recovery phrase”. Input pin, then record the 24‑word recovery phrase on the included card. Confirm the words. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
5. Complete Genuine Check: Ledger Live will check device authenticity via Ledger’s servers. Confirm on your hardware device. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
6. Add Accounts & Install Apps: Use the Manager tab in Ledger Live to install coin‑apps for each cryptocurrency you plan to use. Then add accounts so you can send/receive or stake those cryptocurrencies. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
7. Explore Features: Send/receive, swap tokens, stake, view NFTs, monitor your portfolio. Always verify each transaction on your hardware device. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
8. Keep Everything Updated: Ensure both your firmware and Ledger Live app are kept up to date, so you benefit from latest security patches. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

Security Best Practices

• Always download Ledger Live and firmware **only** from official Ledger domains (ledger.com/ledger‑live or ledger.com/start). Fake or copied sites can impersonate Ledger. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
• Never share your 24‑word recovery phrase with anyone, or enter it into any software or website. Only enter/recover it via the hardware device during setup. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
• Verify addresses, transaction details, and amounts on your hardware device before approving. The device display is the source of truth. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
• Beware of phishing attempts: emails, fake apps, ad links. Always navigate manually to ledger.com to download. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
• Keep backups of your recovery phrase in secure, offline locations; consider using metal backups or fire‑/water‑resistant storage. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
• Enable optional features such as a password lock for Ledger Live, analytics/beta opt‑outs, etc., depending on privacy preferences. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• If your computer does not detect your Ledger device: use a different USB cable, try different USB port, ensure drivers are installed.
• If the Genuine Check fails: verify device packaging, purchase source, and refer to Ledger’s support article “Is my Ledger device genuine?”.
• If the recovery phrase or PIN input step fails: ensure you are entering words or PIN via hardware device buttons—not via software.
• If software crashes or fails to open: make sure your OS is compatible, the app version is up to date, and uninstall/reinstall Ledger Live if needed.

Useful Links & Official Resources

• Ledger Live Official Page
• Ledger.com/start Onboarding Guide
• Getting started with Ledger Live (Support)
• Best Safety Practices
• Supported Crypto Assets List
• Ledger Support Center
• Ledger Live Release Notes
• Ledger Blog & Updates
• Verify Ledger Live Signatures
• Is My Ledger Device Genuine?