Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started

Keeping cryptocurrency safe requires more than a hardware wallet. The Ledger Live Desktop application connects your Ledger Nano S or Ledger Nano X to your computer, giving you full control over your crypto portfolio while maintaining top-level security.

Getting Started with Ledger Live Desktop

Download the Application: Visit Ledger.com/start to access the official desktop download.

Install the App: Follow the on-screen instructions for Windows, macOS, or Linux.

Connect Your Ledger Device: Plug in your hardware wallet via USB.

Set Up Your Wallet: Create a new wallet or restore from a 24-word recovery phrase.

After setup, the desktop app serves as the central hub for all your cryptocurrency management.

Features of Ledger Live Desktop

Portfolio Tracking: Monitor balances and recent transactions across multiple cryptocurrencies.

Secure Transfers: Send and receive coins directly through the app, with all signatures confirmed on your device.

Firmware Updates: Keep your Ledger wallet updated to the latest security standards.

Multi-Wallet Management: Manage multiple accounts from a single interface.

Security Advantages

Ledger Live Desktop enhances security by:

Keeping private keys offline on the Ledger device

Encrypting all communications between the device and desktop app

Requiring physical confirmation of all transactions

Supporting hidden wallets with passphrases

Supported Cryptocurrencies

Ledger Live Desktop supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including:

Bitcoin (BTC)

Ethereum (ETH) and ERC-20 tokens

Litecoin (LTC)

Over 1,800 additional assets

This allows for consolidated portfolio management without compromising security.

Best Practices for Safe Use

Always download Ledger Live Desktop from official sources.

Keep both the app and your Ledger device firmware up to date.

Use strong PINs and optional passphrases for enhanced protection.

Store your recovery phrase offline and never share it.

Conclusion

Ledger Live Desktop is a powerful, secure, and user-friendly tool for managing cryptocurrency portfolios. By combining hardware-level protection with a desktop interface, it offers an ideal solution for users who want control, security, and convenience in one platform.