🔷 Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting Started

Welcome to the complete beginner's guide to Ledger® Live: Desktop — the official software that brings your Ledger hardware wallet to life. This guide walks you through downloading, installing, configuring, and securing your crypto on your desktop, from start to finish.

💡 What is Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is a secure desktop application that allows you to manage your crypto assets with a Ledger hardware wallet. Whether you’re holding Bitcoin, Ethereum, or dozens of other tokens, Ledger Live lets you buy, send, receive, swap, and even stake your assets — with full control and self-custody.

🧰 Requirements Before You Start

• A Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Ledger Stax
• Windows, macOS, or Linux computer with admin access
• USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X with mobile only)
• Secure environment with internet access

🔽 Step 1: Download Ledger Live Desktop

Go to the official download page at:
https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live

1. 🔍 Select your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux)
2. 📦 Click “Download” and save the installation file
3. 🛠️ Install the application by following the on-screen instructions

Always verify the download source — never install Ledger Live from third-party websites!

⚙️ Step 2: Initial Configuration

Once installed, launch Ledger Live. You’ll be greeted with a welcome screen. Click “Get Started” and follow these steps:

1. 💳 Select your Ledger device model
2. 📶 Choose “Set up as new device” or “Restore from recovery phrase”
3. 🔐 Create a strong PIN (4-8 digits)
4. 📝 Record your 24-word recovery phrase securely — this is your lifeline to your crypto

🧠 Step 3: Write & Secure Your Recovery Phrase

The 24-word seed phrase is the key to restoring access to your wallet. Without it, recovery is impossible.

• Never take a picture of it or store it online ☠️
• Write it down physically — preferably on a fireproof material 🧯
• Store in a private, offline location 🔒

Ledger will NEVER ask for your recovery phrase. If someone does — it’s a scam.

🛠️ Step 4: Install Apps & Add Accounts

Ledger uses dedicated apps for each supported blockchain. Once your device is configured:

1. Go to “Manager” in Ledger Live
2. Connect and unlock your device 🔓
3. Install apps like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc. based on what you own
4. Go to “Accounts” → “Add Account” to link wallets to your dashboard

💰 Step 5: Receiving & Sending Crypto

📥 Receiving

• Click “Receive” in Ledger Live
• Choose the account
• Copy or scan the address — confirm it on your Ledger device screen

📤 Sending

• Click “Send”
• Enter the recipient address and amount
• Set the fee (Standard, Fast, Custom)
• Verify and confirm the transaction on your device 🛡️

💹 Portfolio & Analytics

The Ledger Live desktop dashboard provides an overview of your assets, including:

• 📊 Real-time balance updates
• 🕒 Historical performance tracking
• 📁 Portfolio distribution by asset
• 📈 Asset-specific transaction history

🌐 Advanced Features

Ledger Live Desktop isn’t just a wallet viewer — it includes a powerful suite of tools:

🪙 Buy Crypto

Purchase BTC, ETH, and other assets directly from third-party providers integrated in Ledger Live. Your crypto goes straight to your hardware wallet.

🔁 Swap

Use the “Swap” feature to trade tokens across different blockchains without using an exchange.

💸 Staking

Stake supported assets like ETH, DOT, and ATOM to earn rewards. All staking is done while keeping keys offline and secure.

🖼️ NFT Management

Ledger Live allows you to securely view and manage Ethereum and Polygon NFTs. Just connect your account and open the NFT tab.

🔗 Connect to Web3

Use Ledger Live with MetaMask and other dApps for a secure Web3 experience.

🧯 What If You Lose Your Device?