THE DESKTOP STARTER GUIDE 2026

Your crypto,
in clear view.

A straightforward guide to Ledger Live Desktop. Get familiar with your portfolio, follow transactions, and make the most of your Ledger hardware wallet—without the guesswork.

Independent educational guide·Never share your recovery phrase
PORTFOLIO OVERVIEWTODAY
YOUR TOTAL BALANCE
$24,680.52 4.82%
$26k$24k$22k
MONTUEWEDTHUFRISATSUN
ASSETS24H
₿BitcoinBTC$16,4200.248 BTC+3.2%
◆EthereumETH$6,1082.14 ETH+2.4%
Your keys stay on your hardware wallet
One clear viewPortfolio at a glance
A simplified illustration. Interface and asset values are examples.
SCROLL TO EXPLORE
DESKTOP WALLET BASICSPORTFOLIO VISIBILITYTRANSACTION TRACKINGSECURITY FIRSTDESKTOP WALLET BASICS
01 — AT A GLANCE

A calmer way to
manage your crypto.

Ledger Live Desktop is a companion app for managing a Ledger hardware wallet. It brings supported accounts and activity into one place, while your device is used to approve sensitive actions.

Check official product details

See your portfolio

Review supported assets and account balances in one desktop view. Values are estimates and can move with the market.

01

Follow activity

Check available account history and transaction status, with network confirmations reflected as they update.

02

Confirm on your device

Review transaction details on the hardware wallet screen and approve there only when everything matches.

03

Security note — Ledger Live is not a recovery service. No legitimate support agent needs your 24-word recovery phrase.

02 — GETTING STARTED

From first launch
to first look.

Take a few careful steps to get your desktop setup in order. Always download software and follow setup instructions from Ledger’s official website.

STEP 01

Get the genuine app

Navigate to Ledger’s official site yourself and follow its current download instructions. Avoid sponsored download links, lookalike domains, and unsolicited attachments.

Open official download page
STEP 02

Connect your device

Open the app and connect your Ledger hardware wallet using a trusted USB connection. Unlock it with your PIN on the device itself.

PIN stays on device
STEP 03

Add the accounts you use

Choose supported assets and follow the in-app account flow. Accounts correspond to blockchain networks; make sure you select the right one.

Confirm the network
STEP 04

Review before you act

Explore your portfolio and activity. Before sending, verify the recipient, asset, network, and fees both on screen and on your device.

Verify every detail

Looking for the official download?

Go directly to Ledger’s website to find the current desktop app and supported operating systems.

Visit Ledger Live
03 — SECURITY, ALWAYS

Keep your keys
where they belong.

Ledger Live provides an interface for your accounts. Your recovery phrase is the master backup to your wallet—and it should remain private, offline, and under your control.

Explore Ledger Academy

Never type your recovery phrase

Not into Ledger Live, a website, chat, or support form. Anyone requesting it is not legitimate support.

01

Verify transactions on-device

Read the recipient address and amount on your hardware wallet display before approving.

02

Use verified sources

Reach Ledger support and download pages from ledger.com, not from unsolicited messages.

03

Be cautious with unexpected prompts

Pause if a pop-up, email, or caller pressures you to connect, sign, or reveal sensitive information.

04
Your recovery phrase is for you alone.Ledger support will never ask you to share it.
04 — QUICK ANSWERS

Good to
know.

Clear answers to common Ledger Live Desktop questions.

Visit official Ledger Support
Is Ledger Live Desktop the same as Ledger Wallet?

Ledger Live (now also referred to as Ledger Wallet in some official materials) is the companion application used with Ledger hardware wallets. Product names and interface details can change, so check Ledger’s official site for the latest information.

Can I use Ledger Live Desktop without a hardware wallet?

Some features and account views may be available without connecting a device, but a Ledger hardware wallet is needed to securely authorize transactions with your private keys. Never enter your recovery phrase into a desktop app or website.

Why is my balance different from a market price website?

Displayed values are estimates based on asset quantities and price data, which can update at different times. Network fees, market movement, token support, and account synchronization can also affect what you see.

What should I do if an account or transaction is missing?

Confirm you are viewing the right account and network, check that the app and device firmware are current using official guidance, then allow the account to synchronize. For unresolved issues, use Ledger’s verified support resources.

A GOOD PLACE TO BEGIN

Start with the
official source.

For downloads, the latest setup steps, and product support, always rely on Ledger’s own website.

Go to Ledger.com You’ll leave this independent educational guide.