Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started | Official Ledger …

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Ledger Live Desktop (now known as Ledger Wallet™ in recent updates, but commonly referred to as Ledger Live) is the official desktop application for managing your Ledger hardware wallet. It serves as a secure gateway to your crypto assets, allowing you to manage altcoins, view your portfolio, send/receive funds, stake, swap, and connect to DeFi platforms and dApps while keeping your private keys offline on your Ledger device. This makes it an ideal DeFi wallet companion, providing high security for storing and interacting with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of altcoins.

The app supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, and works seamlessly with Ledger hardware wallets such as Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X, Flex, and Stax. For the best experience, always download from the official source to avoid scams.

How to Download and Install Ledger Live Desktop

To get started with Ledger Live Desktop setup:

  1. Visit the official Ledger website at https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live or https://www.ledger.com/start.
  2. Click on the "Download Ledger Wallet" button (or similar) to access the download page.
  3. Select your operating system: Windows (.exe), macOS (.dmg), or Linux (AppImage).
  4. Download the file from the official site only — verify the file's authenticity using SHA512 hashes provided on the Ledger site if needed.
  5. Install the app:
    • Windows: Run the .exe installer and follow prompts.
    • macOS: Open the .dmg file, drag the app to Applications folder.
    • Linux: Run the AppImage file (may require making it executable).
  6. Launch Ledger Live Desktop for the first time.

Always ensure you're downloading from ledger.com to prevent fake apps. Ledger emphasizes security — never share your recovery phrase or enter it on any website/app except during device setup on the hardware itself.

Setting Up Your Ledger Device with Ledger Live Desktop

The Ledger Live Desktop setup begins with initializing your hardware wallet (or restoring an existing one). Connect your Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X).

  1. Open the app and click "Get started" on the welcome screen.
  2. Select your Ledger device model (e.g., Nano X, Nano S Plus).
  3. Choose your setup option:
    • Set up as new device — Ideal for first-time users.
    • Restore from recovery phrase — To import an existing wallet.
  4. Follow on-screen instructions to set a PIN on your device.
  5. Generate your Ledger Live Desktop recovery phrase (24-word Secret Recovery Phrase) on the hardware device:
    • The device will display words one by one — write them down exactly on the provided recovery sheet.
    • Confirm the phrase by re-entering some words on the device.
    • Store seed phrase safely — Keep it offline, never digital, and in a secure location. This phrase is your ultimate backup and can recover your wallet on any Ledger device.
  6. Complete setup in the app — it will sync and pair with your device.
  7. Install crypto apps on your device via "My Ledger" section (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum for altcoins support).

Once set up, your private keys stay on the hardware — the desktop app only displays balances and facilitates signed transactions.

How to Use Ledger Live Desktop

How to use Ledger Live Desktop is straightforward for daily management:

  • Dashboard: View your portfolio balance across all accounts.
  • Add accounts — Click "Add account," select the coin/altcoin, install the app on your device if needed, and generate a receive address. Supports thousands of altcoins and tokens.
  • Send/Receive: Generate addresses, scan QR codes, and confirm transactions on your hardware device for security.
  • Buy/Swap/Stake: Use integrated services (partnered providers) to buy crypto, swap via DEX, or stake for rewards.
  • Manage altcoins — Easily track and manage ERC-20 tokens, Solana, Polkadot, and more.

For create Ledger Live Desktop wallet, it's tied to your hardware device setup — the app doesn't create software wallets; it manages hardware-secured ones.

Ledger Live Desktop Recovery Phrase and Import Wallet

Your Ledger Live Desktop recovery phrase is the 24-word phrase generated during initial setup. Never enter it into the app or any software — it's only for hardware device recovery.

To import wallet to Ledger Live Desktop (restore):

  1. In the app, choose "Restore" or "Access your wallet."
  2. On your Ledger device, select restore option.
  3. Enter your existing 24-word phrase on the device (not in the app).
  4. The app syncs your accounts automatically.

This allows migrating to a new device or recovering access securely.

Connecting to dApps, DeFi, and Other Features

Ledger Live Desktop enhances DeFi wallet capabilities:

  • Use Wallet Connect to link directly to dApps from desktop for secure signing of DeFi transactions (e.g., Uniswap, Aave).
  • For browser-based dApps, Ledger offers a browser extension (Ledger Extension) for direct connection, though the primary secure method is via the desktop/mobile app with Wallet Connect.
  • No direct Ledger Live Desktop browser extension exists as the core app; use Wallet Connect or the dedicated Ledger Extension for Web3 exploration.

For mobile sync, Ledger Wallet has a companion Ledger Live Desktop mobile app (iOS/Android) — use Ledger Sync to access accounts across devices privately.

Additional Tips for Secure Use

  • Update the app regularly for new features and security.
  • Use a passphrase (advanced) for extra protection.
  • Always confirm transactions on your hardware device.
  • For mobile crypto wallet integration, sync with the Ledger mobile app.

Official Links:

FAQs

1. What is Ledger Live Desktop and how do I download it safely?
Ledger Live Desktop (now Ledger Wallet™) is the official app for managing your Ledger hardware wallet on computer. Download only from the official Ledger website (ledger.com) to avoid phishing sites.

2. How do I create a new wallet with Ledger Live Desktop?
Connect your Ledger device, open the app, select "Set up as new," generate a 24-word recovery phrase on the device, and follow prompts. Your wallet is hardware-secured.

3. How important is the Ledger Live Desktop recovery phrase?
The 24-word recovery phrase is your only way to restore your wallet if the device is lost. Store it offline securely — never share or store digitally.

4. Can I connect Ledger Live Desktop to dApps and DeFi?
Yes, use Wallet Connect within the app to link to dApps securely. For browser dApps, pair with Ledger Extension or Wallet Connect for signing transactions without exposing keys.

5. How do I import an existing wallet to Ledger Live Desktop?
During setup, choose "Restore," enter your recovery phrase on the hardware device (not the app), and the desktop app will sync your accounts and balances.

6. Does Ledger Live Desktop support altcoins and mobile sync?
Yes, it supports thousands of altcoins. Sync with the Ledger mobile app for cross-device access while maintaining security.

In conclusion, Ledger Live Desktop provides a user-friendly, secure way to manage your crypto portfolio, engage with DeFi, and connect to dApps — all while prioritizing hardware-level protection. Start today with the official app for peace of mind in the crypto world.

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