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

Managing your cryptocurrency shouldn’t be complex, risky, or scattered across multiple tools. Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop app designed to give you a unified, secure, and intuitive experience for handling crypto assets — whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user. With support for thousands of coins, integrated features for buying, selling, staking, NFTs, and hardware‑backed security, Ledger Live Desktop is the go‑to choice for desktop‑based crypto management. (desktop-ledgerhelp.teachable.com)

What Is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the desktop companion application to Ledger hardware wallets like the Ledger Nano series. It provides a single interface where you can view your crypto portfolio, manage accounts, send and receive assets, stake tokens, swap between cryptocurrencies, and interact with digital collectibles — all while keeping your private keys protected on your Ledger device. (en-ledger-com-io.teachable.com)

Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, this app brings robust tools and real‑time portfolio insights to your desktop without compromising security or performance. (desktop-ledgerhelp.teachable.com)

Why Ledger Live Desktop Matters

🔐 Rock‑Solid Security

Your private keys never leave your Ledger hardware wallet. Ledger Live Desktop acts as an interface only — transactions are prepared on your computer but must be approved physically on your device using your PIN code. This approach dramatically reduces the risk of hacks, malware, or online theft because your seed phrase and keys are never exposed to the internet. (en-ledger-com-io.teachable.com)

This hardware‑backed security model is one of the most trusted in the crypto world, and it’s what separates Ledger Live Desktop from many software‑only wallets. (desktop-ledgerhelp.teachable.com)

📊 Complete Portfolio Dashboard

Ledger Live Desktop brings all your crypto assets into one clear dashboard:

  • View balances across all supported networks
  • Track price movements and trends
  • Analyze performance over time
  • Export transaction history for tax or record‑keeping

Whether you hold Bitcoin, Ethereum, or thousands of ERC‑20 tokens, you get a bird’s‑eye view of your crypto investment health. (Doc Ledgerr)

💱 Buy, Sell, Swap — Without Leaving the App

For convenience, Ledger Live Desktop integrates with trusted partners so you can:

  • Buy crypto using debit card or bank transfer
  • Sell assets and convert into supported currencies
  • Swap tokens between networks without leaving the platform

All operations still require device confirmation, keeping your funds safe even when exploring exchange functions. (Ledger Live Desktop)

📈 Stake and Earn Rewards

If you want to put your crypto to work, Ledger Live Desktop supports staking for popular assets such as:

  • Ethereum (ETH)
  • Tezos (XTZ)
  • Polkadot (DOT)
  • Solana (SOL)

Staking lets you earn passive income while helping secure blockchain networks — and you can track your rewards directly from the desktop interface. (Ledger Live Desktop)

🖼️ NFT and Web3 Features

Ledger Live Desktop isn’t just about coins and tokens. It also lets you:

  • View and manage NFTs
  • Interact with Web3 applications
  • Explore decentralized finance (DeFi) integrations

Your digital collectibles and decentralized activities are beautifully displayed and protected under the same secure infrastructure as your other assets. (Ledger Live Desktop)

Getting Started With Ledger Live Desktop

1. Download from the Official Site

Avoid third‑party sources; only download Ledger Live Desktop from ledger.com to ensure authenticity and avoid phishing or fake applications. (en-ledger-com-io.teachable.com)

2. Install and Connect

After installation, plug in your Ledger hardware device via USB and unlock it using your PIN. Ledger Live Desktop will detect your device and sync your accounts.

3. Explore Features

Once connected, you can view your portfolio, manage accounts, set up staking, and explore buys, swaps, and NFTs — all within a secure framework.

Ledger Live Desktop does not store your recovery phrase on the computer, and will never ask you for it. Keep your 24‑word phrase offline and safe at all times. (ledger-liveddesktop.pages.dev)

Tips for Better Crypto Management

  • Use separate accounts for different strategies
  • Export transaction history for taxes
  • Enable passphrase protection for additional security
  • Always confirm transactions on your Ledger device screen before approving

Ledger Live Desktop gives you all the tools you need — but security best practices matter just as much as the software itself. (ledger-liveddesktop.pages.dev)

Summary

Ledger Live Desktop combines powerful crypto portfolio management with industry‑leading security. Whether you’re tracking real‑time balances, staking for rewards, swapping assets, or managing NFTs, it gives both new and experienced users a comprehensive platform to confidently manage digital assets — all while keeping private keys securely offline. (desktop-ledgerhelp.teachable.com)