Welcome to Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started™, the official guide to initializing, securing, and managing your Ledger hardware wallet using the Ledger Live Desktop application. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced crypto user, this guide provides step-by-step instructions for safely setting up your wallet, installing applications, and managing your digital assets efficiently.
Important: Always download Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger website to prevent phishing attacks and unauthorized software installations.
Ledger Live Desktop® is the official companion software for Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a secure interface to manage cryptocurrencies, monitor your portfolio, update device firmware, and access integrated apps such as exchanges and staking platforms.
Unlike web-based wallets, Ledger Live Desktop® runs locally on your computer, ensuring private keys remain safely offline. This combination of hardware security and desktop software convenience is designed to protect your digital assets from potential threats.
Visit the official download page: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live/download. Choose the correct version for your operating system and follow the installation instructions.
Once installed, launch Ledger Live Desktop®. You will be greeted with a welcome screen offering the option to set up a new device or restore an existing wallet.
Follow the on-screen instructions to initialize your Ledger hardware wallet. You will create a PIN code, generate a recovery phrase, and confirm it on the device.
Ledger Live Desktop® allows you to add multiple accounts for different cryptocurrencies. Click on “Add Account” and select the cryptocurrency to begin managing your assets.
Write down the recovery phrase exactly as shown on your Ledger device. Store it in a secure location, offline. This phrase is the only way to recover your assets if your device is lost or damaged.
Ledger Live Desktop® offers a variety of features for day-to-day crypto management:
Keeping your Ledger Live Desktop® and hardware wallet firmware up-to-date ensures the latest security and functionality. Ledger Live notifies you automatically if updates are available.
For detailed guidance on updates, visit: Ledger Official Firmware Updates.
Ledger Live Desktop® supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Polkadot, Solana, and many ERC-20 tokens. The platform continues to expand its supported assets as blockchain ecosystems evolve.
See the full list of supported cryptocurrencies: Ledger Supported Crypto Assets
Protecting your digital assets requires a combination of hardware, software, and user vigilance:
Ledger Live Desktop® is the official software companion for Ledger hardware wallets that allows users to manage crypto securely and efficiently on their desktop.
While Ledger Live Desktop® provides a convenient interface, you can use your Ledger device with other compatible wallets. However, Ledger Live ensures maximum security and official support.
You can recover your wallet using your recovery phrase on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet. Always keep the recovery phrase safe and offline.
Yes, Ledger Live Desktop® allows you to add multiple accounts for supported cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many ERC-20 tokens.
Yes, Ledger Live Desktop® offers an intuitive user interface combined with top-tier security, making it suitable for beginners and experienced crypto users alike.