Ledger Live Desktop — Getting Started | Official Ledger

micke

— 3 min read

If you’re ready to take full control of your cryptocurrency assets with one of the most secure hardware wallets available, Ledger Live Desktop — Getting Started | Official Ledger is your essential first step. This official guide gives you everything you need to download, install, and begin using Ledger Live Desktop — the trusted desktop app designed to work seamlessly with Ledger hardware wallets like the Nano S Plus, Nano X, and Ledger Stax.

👉 Official setup page: https://www.ledger.com/start

What Is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application from Ledger that acts as your crypto management hub. When paired with your Ledger hardware wallet, it allows you to securely:

  • Send and receive cryptocurrencies
  • Track your portfolio in real time
  • Install blockchain apps on your Ledger device
  • Buy, sell, swap, and stake assets
  • Manage NFTs and explore Web3 applications

Everything you do through Ledger Live Desktop ensures your private keys remain safely stored offline on your hardware device — never exposed to the internet.

This level of security is vital in a world of increasing cyber threats and phishing scams targeting digital asset holders. Ledger Live Desktop helps you stay protected with on‑device transaction confirmations and offline key storage.

Why Official Download Matters

Before you begin, it’s critical to download the Ledger Live Desktop installer only from the official Ledger site. Fake or unofficial downloads can compromise your security and could potentially expose your wallet or recovery phrase to malicious actors.

⚠️ Do not download Ledger Live from search ads, third‑party sites, social media links, or emails. Always go directly to the official onboarding portal: https://www.ledger.com/start — this is the official Ledger entry point for the latest Ledger Live Desktop installers.

Step‑by‑Step: Getting Started with Ledger Live Desktop

Below is a complete, easy‑to‑follow walkthrough to get you up and running with Ledger Live Desktop — Getting Started | Official Ledger.

1. Visit the Official Ledger Start Page

Navigate to the official Ledger onboarding site:

👉 https://www.ledger.com/start — This is where Ledger hosts authenticated installers and setup guides for Ledger Live Desktop and your hardware wallet.

Once there, select your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux) to begin the download.

2. Download Ledger Live Desktop

Choose the correct installer for your computer:

  • Windows (10 or later)
  • macOS (10.14 or later)
  • Linux (AppImage formats supported)

Downloading from the official Ledger site ensures that the file has been digitally signed and verified by the Ledger team — adding an extra layer of trust and safety compared with unknown sources.

3. Install the Application

After the download completes:

  1. Open the installer file.
  2. Follow the on‑screen prompts to install Ledger Live Desktop on your machine.
  3. Launch Ledger Live once installation finishes.

The installation wizard is straightforward and designed for users of all experience levels. Ledger provides clear graphical guidance throughout the process.

4. Connect Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

Once Ledger Live Desktop is installed and open:

  1. Connect your Ledger device to your computer via USB (Bluetooth is also supported on Ledger Nano X with mobile).
  2. Unlock your Ledger hardware wallet with your PIN.
  3. In Ledger Live Desktop, click Get Started to begin the initial setup.

5. Choose Setup or Restore

At this point, you can either:

  • Set up as a new device (recommended for first‑time users)
    ‑ or ‑
  • Restore a previous wallet (if you already have a recovery phrase)

If it’s your first time using Ledger, the app will walk you through generating your 24‑word recovery phrase on the device itself — never on your computer. This phrase is vital for future wallet recovery, so write it down offline and store it securely.

6. Add Accounts & Install Apps

Once your Ledger device is recognized:

  1. Go to the Manager tab in Ledger Live Desktop.
  2. Install apps for the coins you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana).
  3. Add accounts for each supported asset — Ledger Live Desktop will then sync balances and transaction history for you.

Now your Ledger hardware wallet and Ledger Live Desktop are fully integrated.

Tips for Safe Long‑Term Use

Even after setup, security remains paramount:

  • Never reveal your 24‑word recovery phrase online — Ledger Live will never ask for it.
  • Keep Ledger Live Desktop updated to receive new features and security patches.
  • Verify transaction details on your physical device screen before confirming.
  • Avoid public or unsecured Wi‑Fi when managing crypto.

Final Thoughts

The phrase “Ledger Live Desktop — Getting Started | Official Ledger” should always guide your approach: start with trusted sources, follow official setup instructions, and prioritize the safety of your private keys.

By downloading Ledger Live Desktop from the official link — https://www.ledger.com/start — and following the steps above, you’ll enjoy secure, local control over your cryptocurrency assets, backed by Ledger’s proven security infrastructure.

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