Ledger Live Desktop: Your Secure Bridge to the Web3 Ecosystem

The official application companion for your Ledger hardware wallet. Manage, secure, and grow your crypto assets from the safety of your computer.

★ Get Started at Ledger.com/start

What is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the indispensable, all-in-one software interface developed by Ledger. It acts as the command center for your entire crypto portfolio, directly pairing with your physical Ledger hardware device (like the Nano X or Nano S Plus). This application allows you to securely interact with the blockchain, view your real-time balance, and perform transactions—all while your private keys remain locked and offline within your Ledger device's Secure Element chip.

The Core Security Paradigm: No Ledger Live Login

A key feature distinguishing the **Ledger Live Wallet** from traditional exchange accounts is its reliance on hardware security over a standard password-based login. There is no centralized "Ledger Live Login" that hackers can target. Your access is governed by:

  • A password/PIN to unlock your physical Ledger device.
  • A potential optional password to unlock the Ledger Live App on your computer.
  • The verification and confirmation of every transaction on your device's trusted screen.
This design ensures that even if your computer is compromised, your funds remain safe, as transactions must be physically approved.

Getting Started: Ledger Live Download & Setup

The crucial first step is to perform the **Ledger Live Download** from an official source to guarantee you are installing authentic software. Never trust third-party sites or suspicious search results.

Official Starting Point: For the safest setup and the correct **Ledger Live Download** link for Windows, macOS, and Linux, always begin your journey at the official Ledger onboarding page: https://www.ledger.com/start

Steps for Initial Setup:

  1. Download & Install: Obtain the correct installer for your operating system from the link above.
  2. Connect Your Device: Plug in your Ledger device and follow the on-screen prompts on your device to either **Initialize as New** (generating your 24-word Recovery Phrase) or **Restore** from an existing phrase.
  3. Genuine Check: **Ledger Live** will run an authenticity check to ensure your device is genuine and hasn't been tampered with.
  4. Add Accounts: Use the Manager section in the **Ledger Live App** to install the necessary blockchain apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) onto your hardware device, and then add the corresponding accounts to the application interface.

Ledger Live: Desktop vs. Mobile App

Feature Desktop App Mobile App
Primary Function Full device management (Firmware updates, App installation). Convenient transaction and balance checking.
Connectivity USB cable (Mandatory for all device models). USB (Nano S Plus) or Bluetooth (Nano X, Stax).
Initial Setup Recommended for first-time device initialization and recovery phrase backup. Supported, but Desktop offers a larger screen for verifying the recovery phrase.