Ledger Live Desktop — Getting Started | Official Ledger Wallet Setup Guide

Start your Ledger journey at: https://ledger.com/start — the official Ledger onboarding portal for secure downloads, step‑by‑step setup, and verified instructions to get your wallet running safely.

1. Introduction: What Is Ledger Live and Why You Need It

When you buy a Ledger hardware wallet (such as the Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax), your next critical step is to install and configure the Ledger Live Desktop application. Ledger Live is the official companion app developed by Ledger that lets you manage your crypto assets, install crypto apps on your hardware wallet, and securely interact with blockchain networks — all while keeping your private keys offline in the device’s secure element.

Unlike mobile or web‑only wallets, Ledger Live Desktop gives you a robust and full‑featured environment for:

• Managing assets across 5,000+ cryptocurrencies
• Sending and receiving crypto securely
• Performing swaps and staking
• Tracking a real‑time portfolio
• Viewing and managing NFTs
• Updating Ledger firmware and apps
  All while your private keys stay offline in your hardware device.

🔗 Essential first step: Visit https://ledger.com/start to download the official, verified Ledger Live Desktop installer — never download from third‑party sites.

2. Why Verify Ledger Live at Ledger.com/start

Crypto scams are rampant, and attackers often mimic wallet apps to steal private keys or seed phrases. The safest way to begin is with Ledger’s own onboarding hub at https://ledger.com/start. Here’s why:

• You receive authentic Ledger Live installers for macOS, Windows, and Linux.
• You’re guided through official setup flows tailored to your specific device model.
• You avoid phishing sites and malicious downloads that can compromise your crypto.

⚠️ Important: If a website or app ever asks you for your full recovery phrase online, it is a scam — Ledger will never request this through software or email.

3. Downloading Ledger Live Desktop

Step‑by‑Step Download

1. Open your web browser and go to 👉 https://ledger.com/start.
2. The page will auto‑detect your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux).
3. Click the “Download Ledger Live Desktop” button.
4. Save and verify the installer file before running it.

💡 If you’re on Linux and want extra assurance, compare checksums (if provided) with Ledger’s official hashes.

Supported Operating Systems

Ledger does not recommend downloading unofficial APK files or non‑verified builds. Only use the installers provided directly on the Ledger.com/start page.

4. Installing Ledger Live Desktop

Once the installer has downloaded:

1. Open the installer and follow the on‑screen prompts.
2. Once installed, launch Ledger Live Desktop.
3. On first open, you’ll see a welcome screen where you begin the setup by selecting Get Started.

💡 Make sure your Ledger hardware device is nearby (Nano X, Nano S Plus, Stax) and fully unboxed before starting.

5. Initial Setup: Pairing Your Hardware Wallet

Connect Your Ledger Device

• USB Connection: Most devices use USB to connect.
• Bluetooth: Only available on supported models like Nano X for select operations.

Once connected, Ledger Live Desktop will detect your device and guide you through:

A. Create a New Wallet

1. Choose “Set up as new device” if you have a brand‑new wallet.
2. Choose your PIN code using the physical buttons on the device.

B. Backup Your Recovery Phrase

• A 24‑word recovery phrase will be generated on your device — this is the only backup to your wallet.
• Write it down on physical paper or a metal backup tool — never store it digitally.
• Ledger Live Desktop will never ask you to type your entire phrase into the software.

C. Confirm Your Recovery Phrase

• Your device will ask you to confirm random words to ensure it was written down correctly.

6. Installing Cryptocurrency Apps on Your Wallet

Ledger devices use modular crypto apps — each blockchain (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) has its own app you must install onto your device.

To install apps:

1. In Ledger Live Desktop, go to the Manager tab.
2. Connect your Ledger device and let Ledger Live detect it.
3. Find the apps you want (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) and click Install next to each.

Before you can add accounts for a crypto asset in Ledger Live Desktop, its app must be installed on your device.

7. Adding Accounts in Ledger Live Desktop

After installing the relevant apps:

1. Navigate to the Accounts tab.
2. Click Add account.
3. Choose the crypto asset for the account you want (Bitcoin, ETH, Solana, etc.).
4. Let Ledger Live Desktop scan the blockchain for balances.

Once added, your accounts will appear in your dashboard for tracking, sending, receiving, and managing assets.

8. How to Send and Receive Crypto Securely

Receiving Funds

1. Go to the desired account tab in Ledger Live Desktop.
2. Click Receive.
3. Ledger Live will show a deposit address.
4. Verify the address on your Ledger device screen before copying.
5. Use that address to send funds from exchanges or wallets.

Sending Funds

1. Click Send in the relevant account.
2. Enter the recipient address.
3. Verify transaction details on your Ledger device.
4. Confirm on device — this is mandatory for all transactions.

The requirement to confirm critical actions on your hardware wallet keeps your private keys secure.

9. Advanced Features of Ledger Live Desktop

Once you have the basics set up, Ledger Live Desktop unlocks many advanced features:

A. Portfolio Tracking

Track all your accounts, balances, and historical performance from one dashboard.

B. Buy, Sell, and Swap

Through integrations with trusted partners, you can buy and sell crypto or swap between assets directly in Ledger Live Desktop.

C. Staking

Earn rewards on supported assets like ETH, SOL, DOT, ATOM, and others from within Ledger Live.

D. NFT Management

View and manage your supported NFTs securely, particularly on networks like Ethereum and Polygon.

E. Web3 and dApp Integrations

Ledger Live Desktop can interface with Web3 and decentralized applications while keeping your keys secure.

10. Firmware Updates & Security

Firmware Updates

Regular firmware updates are critical — they include security patches and new features. Ledger Live Desktop will prompt you when updates are available.

Security Tips

• Always download Ledger Live from https://ledger.com/start.
• Never share your 24‑word recovery phrase online or with anyone.
• Verify transaction addresses on your Ledger device screen.
• Keep your software and firmware up to date.
• Avoid public Wi‑Fi for transactions.

11. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Installation Problems

• Re‑download the installer from https://ledger.com/start.
• Ensure your OS is supported.

Device Not Recognized

• Try another USB port or cable.
• Unlock your Ledger device before opening Ledger Live Desktop.

Sync Issues

• Update Ledger Live Desktop to the latest version.
• Update your firmware via Ledger Live Desktop.

12. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Is Ledger Live Desktop free?
Yes — the software is free; only network fees apply for transactions.

Q: Can I use Ledger Live Desktop without a Ledger hardware wallet?
You might view prices, but you can’t manage crypto securely without the hardware device.

Q: Can Ledger Live Desktop and mobile sync?
Yes — your device and accounts sync across both, but secure operations always require your Ledger hardware.

Q: What should I do if I lose my Ledger device?
Use your 24‑word recovery phrase to restore your wallet on a new Ledger device.

Q: Where do I download Ledger Live Desktop?
Visit https://ledger.com/start for official installers.

13. Conclusion

Setting up Ledger Live Desktop is an essential milestone in using your Ledger hardware wallet safely and effectively. By starting with the official onboarding page (https://ledger.com/start), you ensure that you’re downloading legitimate software, following verified setup flows, and protecting your crypto assets with best‑in‑class security.

From basic account setup to advanced features like staking, NFTs, and portfolio insights, Ledger Live Desktop gives you full control of your crypto — all while your private keys remain offline and safe.

🌟 Pro tip: Bookmark https://ledger.com/start and return often for updates, firmware releases, and the latest official guidance.