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Ledger Live Desktop — Install & Setup Guide

Learn how to download, install, and configure Ledger Live Desktop to securely manage your crypto assets with Ledger Nano X and Ledger Nano S Plus. This friendly guide covers installation, onboarding, features, and security best practices with keyword-rich content to help you discover and index quickly.

Why use Ledger Live Desktop

Ledger Live Desktop is the official crypto wallet app for managing your hardware wallet with confidence. It brings secure crypto management, intuitive portfolio tracking, and seamless transaction flows into one place. Pair your device, monitor balances, send and receive assets, buy, sell, swap, and stake—while critical actions are confirmed on your Ledger device for maximum safety.

What you get

Unified dashboardView accounts, balances, and history at a glance.
Secure operationsOn-device approvals protect private keys.
Multi-chainManage Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many supported networks.
Provider integrationsAccess buy, sell, swap, and staking in-app.

Who it’s for

Beginners appreciate guided onboarding and clear prompts. Power users rely on advanced features like custom account labeling, network-specific settings, and detailed transaction insights.

Tip: Keep your Ledger device connected and confirm all sensitive actions on-device.

Download Ledger Live Desktop

Download the latest Ledger Live Desktop for Windows, macOS, or Linux. Installation packages are signed and verified for integrity. After downloading, run the installer and follow the standard setup flow. No email or account creation is required—Ledger Live stores your accounts and settings locally on your computer for privacy and control.

Install & setup: Step-by-step

Open Ledger Live Desktop and connect your Ledger Nano X or Nano S Plus via USB (Bluetooth for supported flows). Unlock your device with your PIN, then follow the guided banners to verify firmware and initialize or recover your wallet. The app walks you through adding accounts, organizing networks, and testing a small transaction to build confidence.

Once onboarding is complete, you can move assets from exchanges to your self-custodied wallet and manage everything in Ledger Live. The app provides transparent fees, address verification, and network-specific settings to help you operate safely across chains.

Features for secure crypto management

Ledger Live Desktop combines day-to-day usability with hardware-backed security. Explore an integrated marketplace for buying and selling, perform swaps within the app, and participate in staking where available. Portfolio charts, filters, and labels help you analyze performance, while device-level approvals ensure key material never leaves your Ledger.

Portfolio & accounts

Track assets across networks, view balances, activity, and labels. Add or hide accounts and customize preferences per network.

Buy, sell, swap

Use integrated providers to buy and sell, or swap between supported assets without leaving the app. Rate comparisons and fee transparency build trust in every transaction.

Staking & rewards

Stake supported tokens and monitor rewards. Guided steps and validator details make participation straightforward and secure.

Advanced controls

Optional features like custom gas controls, address book, and per-account settings help experienced users fine-tune their workflow.

Security best practices

Ledger’s security model centers on your hardware wallet. Private keys remain in the secure element, and sensitive operations require physical confirmation. Ledger Live adopts privacy-first defaults: local data storage, explicit opt-ins, and clear prompts. Always verify destination addresses and amounts on your Ledger’s screen before approving.

Reminder: Test with a small transaction first to validate your setup and build confidence.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is Ledger Live Desktop? +
Ledger Live Desktop is the official application for managing crypto assets with Ledger hardware wallets. It provides secure operations, portfolio tracking, and integrated services like buy, sell, swap, and staking.
2. Do I need an account to use Ledger Live? +
No. Ledger Live stores accounts and settings locally on your device. You don’t need an email or password to use the app, preserving privacy and control.
3. Which devices are supported? +
Ledger Nano X and Ledger Nano S Plus are fully supported across Windows, macOS, and Linux. Connect via USB and confirm actions on-device for maximum security.
4. Is Ledger Live Desktop safe? +
Yes. Private keys remain in your Ledger hardware wallet’s secure element. Ledger Live requires physical confirmations, uses verified installers, and stores data locally to maintain privacy.
5. Can I manage NFTs with Ledger Live? +
NFT visibility and management are supported on compatible networks. Always verify contract details and addresses on-device before approving any transaction related to NFTs.