Ledger Live Desktop®— Getting Started | Official Ledger Wallet™
(Secure. Simple. Your Crypto, Your Control)
Welcome to Ledger Live Desktop
Ledger Live Desktop is the official companion software for your Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a powerful, secure, and user-friendly interface to manage your cryptocurrency assets with confidence. Whether you are a beginner taking your first steps in crypto or an experienced investor managing multiple assets, Ledger Live Desktop is designed to make self-custody simple, safe, and transparent.
With Ledger Live Desktop, you can connect your Ledger device, monitor your portfolio, send and receive cryptocurrencies, and explore advanced security features — all in one place.
What is Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop is the official software that enables you to manage your crypto assets securely from your computer. It works hand-in-hand with Ledger hardware wallets, such as the Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X, keeping your private keys offline while giving you a smooth, intuitive interface for daily operations.
Unlike online wallets or exchange custody solutions, Ledger Live Desktop ensures that your private keys never leave your device. Every transaction you initiate must be validated physically on your Ledger hardware wallet, making it virtually immune to malware and phishing attacks.
Why Choose Ledger Live Desktop?
1. Robust Security
Security is the cornerstone of Ledger Live Desktop. Designed to work with Ledger hardware wallets, it protects your crypto assets at all times.
Key security measures include:
- Offline private key storage on Ledger hardware wallets
- PIN and passphrase protection
- Recovery phrase backup for disaster recovery
- Secure transaction validation on-device
- Integration with Ledger Vault for enterprise-level security
Ledger Live Desktop ensures that you maintain complete control over your digital assets, without ever compromising security.
2. User-Friendly Interface
Ledger Live Desktop combines powerful features with a clean, light-themed interface. The dashboard provides an overview of your portfolio, account balances, transaction history, and asset performance, all in a simple, visually appealing layout.
The interface is designed for ease of use:
- Clear navigation between accounts and apps
- Simple send and receive functions
- Portfolio overview with real-time market updates
- Intuitive labeling for accounts and tokens
- Easy access to advanced features for experienced users
Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned investor, Ledger Live Desktop makes managing crypto easy and stress-free.
3. Wide Cryptocurrency Support
Ledger Live Desktop supports thousands of cryptocurrencies and tokens, allowing you to manage all your digital assets in one place. Supported assets include:
- Bitcoin
- Ethereum
- Ripple
- Polkadot
- ERC-20 tokens
With Ledger Live Desktop, you can consolidate your portfolio and monitor its performance across multiple cryptocurrencies without juggling multiple wallets.
Privacy and Data Protection
Ledger Live Desktop is built with privacy in mind. You remain in control of your data at all times. The software does not collect personal information, and you can manage your portfolio without linking it to external accounts.
Privacy features include:
- Optional use of a privacy-focused network for secure connections
- No mandatory registration or KYC required for basic use
- Secure local storage of transaction and portfolio data
Ledger Live Desktop allows you to manage your crypto while respecting your privacy and autonomy.
Seamless Integration with Ledger Devices
Ledger Live Desktop is specifically optimized for use with Ledger hardware wallets, including:
- Ledger Nano S Plus
- Ledger Nano X
The software and hardware work together to create a secure environment where transactions are initiated on your computer but must be confirmed on your device. This two-step verification ensures your crypto assets remain safe even if your computer is compromised.
Advanced Features for Power Users
Ledger Live Desktop offers tools for both beginners and advanced users. Features include:
- Custom transaction fees and advanced send options
- Multiple account management
- Coin control for precise fund allocation
- Staking capabilities for supported cryptocurrencies
- Integration with third-party apps like DeFi and NFT platforms
Advanced users can leverage these tools to maximize portfolio management while retaining full security.
Open-Source Transparency
Ledger Live Desktop follows an open-source philosophy. Its code is publicly available, allowing security researchers to audit and verify the software for potential vulnerabilities. This transparency builds trust, ensuring that the software is free from hidden backdoors or malicious code.
By combining open-source principles with hardware security, Ledger Live Desktop represents one of the most trustworthy solutions in the crypto space.
Easy Setup and Onboarding
Getting started with Ledger Live Desktop is straightforward:
- Download and install Ledger Live Desktop from the official website
- Connect your Ledger hardware wallet
- Initialize your device or recover an existing wallet
- Securely back up your recovery phrase
- Start managing your crypto portfolio
The guided onboarding process ensures that even beginners can safely transition to self-custody without confusion. Step-by-step instructions make it easy to secure your assets and start transacting confidently.
Portfolio Management and Insights
Ledger Live Desktop provides detailed tools for portfolio tracking and management:
- Real-time balance updates for all supported assets
- Transaction history with full details
- Performance tracking over time
- Account organization and labeling
- Notifications for market updates
All your crypto data is consolidated into one easy-to-read dashboard, providing a complete picture of your holdings at a glance.
Continuous Updates and Improvements
Ledger Live Desktop is constantly updated by the team at Ledger to enhance security, add new features, and expand support for more cryptocurrencies. Updates are delivered seamlessly, keeping your software up-to-date with the latest improvements and protections.
This ongoing development ensures that Ledger Live Desktop evolves alongside the rapidly changing cryptocurrency ecosystem.
Who Should Use Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop is ideal for:
- Individual crypto investors
- Traders managing multiple assets
- Privacy-conscious users
- Beginners seeking a secure wallet solution
- Developers exploring blockchain integration
Whether you’re just starting or managing a large crypto portfolio, Ledger Live Desktop adapts to your needs, providing security, flexibility, and usability in one platform.
The Importance of Self-Custody
One of the core tenets of cryptocurrency is the principle of self-custody. Holding your crypto in exchange wallets exposes you to risks like hacks, freezes, and insolvencies. Ledger Live Desktop, in combination with Ledger hardware wallets, empowers you to take full control of your funds.
With Ledger Live Desktop, you:
- Hold your private keys securely offline
- Approve all transactions on-device
- Maintain complete control over your assets
True self-custody provides peace of mind and aligns with the foundational principles of cryptocurrency: independence, security, and transparency.
Final Thoughts
Ledger Live Desktop is more than a wallet interface — it is a complete ecosystem for managing, securing, and growing your cryptocurrency portfolio. With its user-friendly design, robust security, privacy-first approach, and open-source transparency, it sets the standard for crypto management software.
Whether you’re sending your first Bitcoin transaction or staking Ethereum for rewards, Ledger Live Desktop offers the tools, guidance, and protection you need to confidently manage your digital assets.
Take control of your crypto journey today with Ledger Live Desktop — your secure, simple, and comprehensive crypto companion.