Ledger Live®® Desktop — Getting Started | Official Ledger Wallet

Managing cryptocurrency safely requires a reliable platform. Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application designed to work seamlessly with Ledger hardware wallets like Ledger Nano S and Ledger Nano X. It provides a secure, user-friendly interface to manage your digital assets directly from your computer.

What Is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is a downloadable application that lets users:

Track cryptocurrency balances across multiple assets

Send and receive coins safely

Install firmware updates on Ledger devices

Access advanced security features such as passphrases and hidden wallets

Unlike online wallets, Ledger Live Desktop works with your hardware wallet to ensure your private keys never leave the device, keeping your funds secure.

How to Install Ledger Live Desktop

Download from Official Source: Visit Ledger.com/start to download the desktop version.

Install the Application: Follow the installation instructions for Windows, macOS, or Linux.

Connect Your Ledger Device: Plug in your Ledger Nano S or Nano X using the USB cable provided.

Initialize Your Wallet: Set up a new wallet or restore an existing one using your recovery phrase.

Security Features

Ledger Live Desktop is built with security in mind:

Hardware-Level Key Storage: Private keys remain on the Ledger device.

Encrypted Communication: All data between the app and device is encrypted.

Transaction Verification: Every transaction must be confirmed physically on the device.

Passphrase-Protected Wallets: Optional hidden wallets provide an extra layer of security.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

Ledger Live Desktop supports thousands of assets, including:

Bitcoin (BTC)

Ethereum (ETH) and ERC-20 tokens

Litecoin (LTC)

Additional altcoins and tokens

This allows you to manage multiple cryptocurrencies in one secure interface.

Advantages of Using Ledger Live Desktop

Complete offline security for private keys

Regular firmware updates for Ledger devices

Multi-asset portfolio tracking

Integration with Ledger hardware wallets for secure transactions

Best Practices

Always download Ledger Live Desktop from official sources.

Keep your device firmware updated.

Use a strong PIN and optional passphrase for hidden wallets.

Store recovery phrases securely offline.

Conclusion

Ledger Live Desktop provides a secure, intuitive, and comprehensive platform for managing cryptocurrencies. By combining hardware wallet security with a full-featured desktop interface, it ensures your assets remain protected while giving you full control over your portfolio.