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Ledger Live Desktop — Getting Started | Official Ledger Wallet

startedTREZO

• 4 min read

Introduction — Your Secure Crypto Hub

Welcome to your step‑by‑step guide for getting started with Ledger Live Desktop, the official desktop app that allows you to securely manage your cryptocurrency portfolio using your Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you’re a beginner taking your first steps into crypto security, or an experienced user upgrading your setup, this guide walks you through everything you need — from download to daily use and best practices.

Ledger Live Desktop works hand‑in‑hand with your Ledger device — such as the Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or Ledger Stax — to give you total control of assets without exposing your private keys online.

Why Choose Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is more than just a wallet interface — it’s the control center for your digital assets, delivering:

  • 🔒 Ultimate security: Private keys stay inside your Ledger hardware wallet.
  • 📊 Portfolio overview: See all your crypto balances in one place.
  • 💸 Send/receive crypto securely: Every transaction must be confirmed on‑device.
  • 🔁 Extra features: Buy, swap, stake assets, and manage NFTs.

To ensure maximum safety, always download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger source:
👉 https://ledger.com/start — the official onboarding portal where you can access Ledger Live Desktop and setup guides.

You can also go directly to the download page:
👉 https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live‑download — official download for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

1. Download & Install Ledger Live Desktop

Step 1 — Visit the Official Site

Start by going to the official setup portal:
🔗 https://ledger.com/start — this ensures you’re getting a legitimate installer and not a scam copy.

From the page, choose your device type and select the correct Ledger Live Desktop installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

Step 2 — Install the App

Once the file is downloaded:

  1. Windows: Run the .exe file and follow the wizard to install.
  2. macOS: Open the .dmg file and drag Ledger Live into your Applications folder.
  3. Linux: Run the .AppImage or .deb package.

After installation, launch Ledger Live to start the onboarding process.

Important Safety Tip: Only install Ledger Live from official sources (not third‑party sites, links from emails, or YouTube), as fake installers have been used by hackers to capture seed phrases.

2. Set Up Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

Connect Your Device

Plug your Ledger hardware wallet into your computer via USB. For Nano X users, Bluetooth support is typically available on mobile, but on desktop the USB connection is recommended for updates and full setup.

Launch Ledger Live and click “Get Started”. Choose your device model and follow the setup instructions.

Secure Initialization (Critical!)

You’ll be prompted to:

  • Set a PIN code on your Ledger device.
  • Generate and write down your 24‑word recovery phrase.

💡 Security Note:
Never enter your recovery phrase into your computer or Ledger Live. It should only be used on the hardware device itself and written down offline.

This phrase is the only backup to your crypto funds — losing it means losing access forever.

3. Add Accounts & Manage Crypto

Once your Ledger device is initialized:

Add Crypto Accounts

  1. In Ledger Live, go to the Accounts tab.
  2. Click “Add account”.
  3. Select a coin or token you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
  4. Ledger Live will prompt you to open the corresponding app on your device.
  5. Once opened, Ledger Live will sync your balances.

Ledger supports thousands of assets and apps for different blockchains.

4. Daily Use — Secure Sending & Receiving

Receive Crypto

  1. Click the “Receive” tab.
  2. Choose the currency.
  3. Verify the address shown on Ledger Live matches the one on your physical device.
  4. Share this address to receive funds.

Send Crypto

  1. Go to the “Send” tab.
  2. Enter the recipient’s address and amount.
  3. Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device’s screen.

Every movement of funds must be confirmed on the hardware device — this prevents malware and hacker interference.

5. Tips & Best Practices for Security

  • ✔ Never store your recovery phrase digitally. Write it only on the provided card or a metal seed backup.
  • 🔒 Update Ledger Live and firmware regularly for improved compatibility and security.
  • 🚫 Avoid phishing sites: bookmark official pages to avoid mistyped URLs.
  • 📌 Verify addresses on the Ledger device screen before confirming transactions.

📌 5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use Ledger Live without a Ledger device?

No — you can install Ledger Live and view portfolio data, but to securely manage crypto and sign transactions, a Ledger hardware wallet is required.

2. Is my private key ever stored in Ledger Live?

No — your private keys always stay inside the hardware device. Ledger Live never has direct access to those keys.

3. What happens if I lose my Ledger device?

You can restore access to your funds using the 24‑word recovery phrase on a new Ledger or other compatible wallet. Keep this phrase safe!

4. Can Ledger Live Desktop manage NFTs?

Yes — Ledger Live supports NFT viewing and management for supported chains.

5. How do I update Ledger Live Desktop?

Open the app and check for updates under Settings → About or re‑download from the official site. Always use trusted links.

Conclusion

Ledger Live Desktop is your secure gateway to managing cryptocurrencies with total peace of mind. By following the steps above and always using official resources — like https://ledger.com/start and https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live‑download — you ensure that your crypto journey starts on the right foot.

Always prioritize security, keep your recovery phrase offline, and confirm transactions directly on your Ledger device. With these best practices, Ledger Live Desktop becomes your powerful tool for secure, everyday crypto management.

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