Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting Started – Ledger®

Welcome to your guide for starting securely with Ledger Live Desktop. Follow these trusted steps to download, install, set up, and manage your crypto with confidence, using your Ledger hardware wallet.

Download Ledger Live from Official Site

What is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application from Ledger that works with Ledger hardware wallets (Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X, Stax) to give you full control over your crypto assets. It ensures that your private keys always remain offline, inside your hardware device, while you manage, track, swap, stake, and view NFTs on your desktop. Reference Ledger’s official getting started guide confirms that Ledger Live will help you initialize your device and configure security settings. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Key Features & Platform Support

• Supports **over 5,500+ cryptocurrencies and tokens**, including major assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Portfolio tracking in real‑time, showing balances, transaction history, and asset performance. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Send and receive crypto securely — all transactions must be verified on your Ledger hardware device. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Staking and rewards: support for staking assets like Tezos, Ethereum, Polkadot, etc. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Buy, swap, and exchange via trusted providers integrated within Ledger Live. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• NFT management — view, receive, send NFTs on supported chains. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Firmware updates, app management, and hardware device initialization via desktop. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Cross‑platform: compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux desktops. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Before You Begin

To ensure a smooth and secure setup, make sure you have the following ready:

• Your Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax). :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• A computer running a supported operating system (Windows 10+ / macOS / Linux). :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• The USB cable provided with your Ledger device (or a compatible one) to connect it to your desktop. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• Pen and paper (or a secure backup method) to write down the 24‑word recovery phrase. Never store it digitally. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• At least 10‑15 minutes of uninterrupted time to complete setup steps like PIN, recovery phrase, and device authenticity.

Step‑by‑Step Setup Guide

1. Download Ledger Live Desktop: Go to Ledger.com/start and choose the correct version for your OS: Windows, macOS, or Linux. Always verify you're on the official site. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
2. Install the Application: Run the installer: .exe on Windows, .dmg on macOS, or the package for your distro on Linux. Follow the prompts. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
3. Launch Ledger Live and connect your hardware wallet: Use USB to connect your Ledger device. Unlock it with your PIN. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
4. Initialize or Restore Device: If the device is new, choose “Set up as new device” and generate a recovery phrase. If restoring, select “Restore using recovery phrase.” Write the 24‑word seed carefully. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
5. Perform Genuine Check: Ledger Live asks you to verify device authenticity to ensure it's genuine. Confirm on the device when prompted. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
6. Install Apps & Add Crypto Accounts: Use the “Manager” section to install blockchain apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum etc.). Then under “Accounts” add those assets to be managed. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
7. Send/Receive Transactions: Receive by generating address in app and confirming on device. To send, enter recipient info, confirm on app, then also verify on hardware device itself. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
8. Stake & Swap: Use the swapping and staking features integrated within Ledger Live to grow assets or exchange between supported tokens. All swaps must be confirmed on your Ledger device. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
9. Manage NFTs (if applicable): View/receive/send NFTs on Ethereum/Polygon chains through the app. Confirm ownership and transactions securely. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
10. Keep Everything Updated: Regularly check for firmware updates for the device, and updates for Ledger Live. Always use official sources. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

Security Best Practices

• Download Ledger Live only from official domains (e.g. ledger.com/start or ledger.com/ledger-live). Avoid third‑party download sites. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
• Never share your 24‑word recovery phrase. Ledger and its support will never ask you to enter it on your computer or via email. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
• Always verify transaction details (address, amount) on your Ledger hardware device screen before approving. Software alone is not enough. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
• Use a strong PIN, store your recovery phrase offline (on paper, metal), and keep backups in separate, safe locations. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}
• Enable optional protections like app lock / password lock in Ledger Live. Use antivirus / safe OS practices. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}
• Watch out for phishing: fake apps, fake emails, websites pretending to be Ledger. Always double‑check URLs. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}

Common Troubleshooting & Support

• If your device isn’t detected: try different USB ports or cables; ensure correct drivers are installed. :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}
• If the genuine check fails: make sure your device is not tampered with and was purchased from a trusted source. :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}
• If Ledger Live doesn’t open or is crashing: check OS compatibility; update the app; uninstall then reinstall if necessary. :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}
• If swap or staking functions aren’t available: verify that the crypto asset is supported in your region and your firmware is up to date. :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}