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If you’re looking to manage your crypto the smart and secure way, Ledger Live and Ledger Live Desktop are essential tools for every crypto holder. Setting up your hardware wallet with Ledger Live Desktop through the official route at ledger.com/start ensures you get the safest, most streamlined experience possible.
In this guide, we’ll take you step‑by‑step through setting up Ledger Live, including how to install Ledger Live Desktop, register your device, and connect to your crypto assets safely. Whether you’re brand new to crypto or already invested, this guide helps you unlock the full potential of your Ledger ecosystem using ledger.com/start and Ledger Live.
What is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is the official wallet management application for Ledger hardware wallets. Built for ease of use and maximum security, Ledger Live lets you manage your cryptocurrencies, tokens, NFTs, and DeFi investments in one place. With Ledger Live Desktop, you get a powerful application installed directly on your computer that connects securely to your Ledger device.
Ledger Live supports hundreds of blockchains and thousands of assets, making it one of the most versatile and trusted wallet interfaces in the crypto world.
Whether you prefer Ledger Live Desktop on Windows, macOS, or Linux, setting up your wallet is fast and intuitive — especially when you start at ledger.com/start.
Why You Should Use Ledger Live and Ledger Live Desktop
Using Ledger Live — and specifically Ledger Live Desktop — gives you:
Trusted Security: Ledger Live connects exclusively with your Ledger hardware wallet so private keys never leave your device.
Easy Asset Management: Track and manage all your crypto from one dashboard in Ledger Live Desktop.
Frequent Updates: The team behind Ledger Live releases regular updates to add assets and improve security.
Portfolio Tracking: Built‑in portfolio features help you monitor gains, losses, and balances in real time.
Integrated Swap & Buy Features: Buy crypto directly, or swap between assets inside Ledger Live.
Staking & Earning: Some assets can be staked or yield rewards directly through Ledger Live.
All of these benefits are possible when you install Ledger Live Desktop and follow the official setup at ledger.com/start.
Getting Started with Ledger Live Desktop
To begin, visit the official installation page at ledger.com/start. This is the safest way to download Ledger Live without risk of fraud or compromised software.
Step 1 — Go to ledger.com/start
Open your browser and enter ledger.com/start in the address bar. This will take you to the official Ledger Live download page. Always start here to make sure you get the authentic Ledger Live Desktop installer.
Step 2 — Download Ledger Live Desktop
Once at ledger.com/start, you’ll see options to download Ledger Live for your operating system. Select whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Linux, and click the download button. This downloads the Ledger Live Desktop application.
Downloading Ledger Live Desktop from ledger.com/start guarantees your setup file is official and secure. Resisting third‑party sources helps prevent malware or fake wallet software.
Step 3 — Install Ledger Live Desktop
After downloading, open the installer file to install Ledger Live Desktop on your computer. Follow the on‑screen prompts to complete installation. Once installed, launch Ledger Live Desktop.
Setup Your Ledger Hardware Wallet with Ledger Live
When you open Ledger Live Desktop for the first time, you’ll be guided through a setup wizard. This connects your physical Ledger hardware wallet with Ledger Live for secure management.
Step 4 — Connect Your Ledger Device
Plug in your Ledger device (such as Ledger Nano S or Ledger Nano X) to your computer with its USB cable. Ledger Live Desktop will recognize the device when connected.
During setup in Ledger Live Desktop, you’ll choose whether this is a new device or an existing wallet you want to restore. Make sure that the device’s firmware is up to date for the best experience.
Step 5 — Secure Your Wallet
Ledger Live will prompt you to create or restore a wallet. If you’re new, you’ll generate a new recovery phrase on the Ledger device. This recovery phrase — entered only on the hardware wallet itself — is the key to your crypto.
Always keep your recovery phrase safe. Ledger Live and Ledger Live Desktop never store this phrase — this is intentional for your security. Your recovery phrase stays on your Ledger device and nowhere else.
Step 6 — Add Accounts in Ledger Live
Once your device is ready and linked, open Ledger Live Desktop to add cryptocurrency accounts. Choose the assets you want to manage (like Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) and click Add account. Ledger Live will sync with your device and show your balances.
You can add as many supported accounts as you like. Each account appears inside Ledger Live Desktop so you can see all of your holdings in one place.
Using Ledger Live Desktop for Transactions
With your wallet set up via Ledger Live Desktop, you can:
Send crypto: Transfer tokens from one wallet to another.
Receive crypto: Show your address QR code or string so others can send assets.
Swap assets: Exchange one cryptocurrency for another without leaving Ledger Live.
Buy crypto: Use integrated partners to buy crypto directly in Ledger Live Desktop.
Every action requiring authorization must be confirmed on your physical Ledger device. This ensures that private keys never leave the device — the core of Ledger Live security.
Advanced Features in Ledger Live
Ledger Live doesn’t stop at basic wallet features. As you explore Ledger Live Desktop, you’ll discover:
Staking Rewards: Stake selected assets and earn rewards securely through Ledger Live.
Portfolio Overview: Get at‑a‑glance information about how your holdings are performing.
App Catalog: Add apps for different blockchains directly from Ledger Live Desktop.
Security Notifications: Get alerts for firmware updates or important Ledger ecosystem info.
All of this is accessed inside Ledger Live Desktop, making it your personal crypto control center.
Keeping Ledger Live Secure
To ensure that your setup remains safe:
Always download Ledger Live Desktop from ledger.com/start.
Never enter your recovery phrase or private keys into a computer or website.
Keep both Ledger Live and your Ledger device firmware updated.
Only connect your Ledger device to trusted computers and networks.
Using Ledger Live Desktop securely protects your digital assets while giving you full control and convenience.
Final Thoughts
Setting up your official wallet with Ledger Live Desktop is the best way to manage your crypto securely. From the first download at ledger.com/start to daily portfolio tracking inside Ledger Live, this powerful tool is designed to give you peace of mind and unmatched control over your assets.
Whether you’re managing Bitcoin, Ethereum, or NFTs, Ledger Live and Ledger Live Desktop give you a secure, flexible, and user‑friendly wallet interface directly connected to your Ledger hardware device. Visit ledger.com/start today and begin your secure wallet journey with Ledger Live — the trusted gateway to smart crypto management.