Ledger Live Desktop is the free companion app created by Ledger to manage your hardware wallet from a computer. It runs smoothly on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Whether you own a Nano S Plus, Nano X, or the new Stax, this single program replaces dozens of different wallet websites. You can view every coin, send payments, receive funds, update your device, and even grow your holdings through staking, all from one clean window.
Most wallet software forces you to trust a website or a company server. Ledger Live does not. Your computer never sees the private keys. Every important action is signed inside the small secure chip of your Ledger device. The app is open-source in many parts, regularly audited, and receives updates every few weeks. There are no hidden fees from Ledger itself; you only pay the normal blockchain gas or miner fees.
Open your browser and go directly to ledger.com. Find the Ledger Live section and click Download. Choose “Desktop” and then your operating system. The file is around 110 MB. Save it, then double-click to start installation. The process takes less than three minutes. When finished, a black Ledger Live icon appears on your desktop or in the applications folder. Click it once to launch.
Plug your Ledger into the computer with the original USB cable. Open Ledger Live and click “Get Started”. Select “Set up a new device”. Pick your model from the list. The device screen will display 24 words, one at a time. Write each word in order on the recovery sheet that came in the box. Never skip this step. After writing, the device asks you to confirm random words to prove you wrote them correctly. Choose a PIN code you will remember. Setup is now complete and your wallet is live.
If you already have a recovery phrase from an older Ledger or another compatible wallet, choose “I already have a device”. Then select “Restore from recovery phrase”. Type the 24 words exactly as they appear, respecting capital letters and order. Ledger Live will recreate every address and scan the blockchains. In less than one minute all your previous balances appear again.
From the left sidebar choose “Accounts”. Click the blue “Add account” button at the top right. A search box appears. Type Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, or any supported coin. Click the correct result. Ledger Live communicates with your device, generates a fresh address, and checks the balance. Repeat the process for every coin you own. You can have unlimited accounts.
Open the account that should receive funds. Click the “Receive” button. A pop-up asks you to confirm on your Ledger device. Look at the device screen and verify the address shown is the same as on your computer. Press both buttons to approve. A large QR code and the full address now appear. Copy the address or scan the QR code with the sender’s phone. This double-check stops any malware from swapping the address in your clipboard.
Click “Send” at the top of the app. Choose the account to send from. Paste the destination address or scan a QR code. Enter the amount you want to transfer. Choose a fee level: slow for cheap, medium for normal, fast for urgent. The summary page shows exact numbers. Click Continue. Your Ledger device lights up and displays every detail: address, amount, fee. Check everything carefully on the small screen, then press both buttons together to sign. The transaction leaves immediately and appears under “Latest operations”.
Your Ledger device can only hold a limited number of apps at once. Open the “Manager” tab on the left. Unlock your device with the PIN. A full list of available apps loads. Type the coin name and click “Install”. A progress bar finishes in seconds. To free space, click the trash icon next to any app you no longer need. Removing an app never deletes your funds; the coins stay on the blockchain forever.
When Ledger releases a new firmware, a clear orange banner appears inside the app. Click it only when you have time and a stable connection. Follow every instruction exactly: enter PIN, keep cable connected, wait for the green check mark. The whole update takes four minutes at most. After restart, all accounts remain untouched.
The Portfolio tab shows your total wealth in euros, dollars, or any currency with a simple pie chart. Staking is available for Cardano, Polkadot, Cosmos, and others; rewards arrive automatically every few days. You can exchange one coin for another directly inside the app using trusted partners. Buying crypto with a bank card is also possible; the coins arrive straight to your Ledger address without touching an exchange.
Buy your Ledger only from ledger.com or official resellers listed on their site. Check the box for broken seals. Complete the genuine check the first time you connect. Store your 24-word phrase offline, ideally etched on steel. Never screenshot it or store it in cloud drives. Update Ledger Live automatically when prompted. Avoid clicking links in emails that claim to be from Ledger support.
Ledger Live Desktop turns complicated blockchain tasks into everyday actions. After a few days of use you will open it as easily as checking your bank balance, knowing your funds are protected by hardware you can hold in your hand.
Disclaimer: This material is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency markets are volatile and carry significant risk of loss. You are fully responsible for your own security practices, including safeguarding your recovery phrase and PIN. Ledger devices and Ledger Live provide advanced security features, but no tool can guarantee complete protection against user error or sophisticated attacks. The author and any distributor of this text accept no responsibility for financial losses, data breaches, or other damages resulting from following this guide. Always download Ledger Live exclusively from ledger.com. Never share your 24-word recovery phrase with anyone. Past results do not predict future performance. Conduct your own research before investing.