Ledger™ Live: Desktop | Getting Started with Your Device

Clear, practical instructions to install Ledger Live Desktop, set up your Ledger hardware wallet, and manage your crypto securely on your computer.

Welcome — what Ledger Live Desktop does for you

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application that connects you to your Ledger hardware wallet. It’s the control center for installing blockchain apps on your device, adding accounts, viewing balances, sending and receiving crypto, staking supported assets, and interacting safely with decentralized finance (DeFi) services. Most importantly, Ledger Live preserves the hardware security model: private keys remain on your Ledger device and never touch your computer.

This guide walks you step-by-step through the entire first-time experience — from downloading Ledger Live to sending your first transaction — while sharing practical security tips so you don’t miss anything important.

Why use Ledger Live Desktop (vs. other methods)

There are many wallet interfaces, but Ledger Live Desktop is built specifically for Ledger devices to provide a secure, consolidated, and user-friendly experience. Benefits include:

Using the desktop app gives you more control and fewer dependencies on browser extensions or third-party UIs, which can reduce attack surface and improve reliability.

Step 1 — Download Ledger Live safely

Open a browser and type ledger.com/ledger-live directly into the address bar; do not follow links from emails or unfamiliar websites. Ledger’s site detects your operating system and offers the correct installer for Windows, macOS, or Linux. Choose the desktop installer (not mobile) for this guide unless you prefer the mobile workflow.

Check the page for the latest release notes or warnings before downloading. Save the installer to a trusted folder and, if you wish, verify signatures or checksums following Ledger’s published instructions.

Step 2 — Install Ledger Live Desktop

Run the downloaded installer and follow the prompts for your OS:

After installation, launch Ledger Live. The app will present a short setup wizard and request permission to check for updates. Allowing updates is recommended to ensure you have the latest features and security patches.

Step 3 — Prepare your Ledger device

Connect your Ledger device (Nano S Plus or Nano X) to your computer using the supplied USB cable. If this device is brand new, the initial prompts will guide you to:

  1. Set a PIN: Choose a PIN code you can remember but that isn’t trivial. The PIN protects the device if it’s lost or stolen.
  2. Write your recovery phrase: Ledger devices provide a 24-word recovery phrase. Write it on the provided recovery sheet — never store it digitally or photograph it.
  3. Confirm the recovery phrase: Your device will ask you to verify a few words to ensure the backup is correct.

Keep your recovery phrase in a safe, offline location such as a fireproof safe or a secure backup solution. This phrase is the master key to your funds — anyone with it can restore your wallet on another device.

Step 4 — Install blockchain apps on your device

Ledger devices use small blockchain-specific apps to handle addresses and transactions for each supported coin. In Ledger Live, open the Manager tab and follow these steps:

Install only the apps you plan to use to conserve device storage and reduce clutter.

Step 5 — Add accounts and sync

With apps installed, switch to the Accounts tab and choose Add account. Select the cryptocurrency and confirm the action on your device. Ledger Live will scan the blockchain and display your account(s). Repeat for each currency you want to manage.

Accounts in Ledger Live are read-only representations that reflect the state of your keys. You can safely create many accounts without changing your on-device keys.

Step 6 — Receive and send crypto securely

Receiving: Choose the account, click Receive, and verify that the address displayed in Ledger Live matches the address displayed on your device. Only use the address shown on the hardware device — that confirmation is the final check against malware that could alter the address on your PC.

Sending: Click Send, enter the recipient address and amount, and preview the transaction. Confirm the details on the device screen before approving. The device will show the exact destination and value; never approve a transaction you don’t recognize.

Always verify addresses and amounts on the Ledger device, not only in the desktop app.

Exploring Ledger Live features

Ledger Live includes several capabilities that go beyond basic sending and receiving:

Use these features carefully and verify all on-device confirmations before proceeding with any third-party interactions.

Security best practices

Follow these practical habits to maintain the strongest protection:

Combining hardware confirmations with disciplined habits gives you industry-leading custody security.

Troubleshooting common issues

If you run into problems, try these straightforward fixes:

For persistent issues, consult Ledger Support or community resources — never share your recovery phrase while seeking help.

Advanced tips and integrations

After you’re comfortable with basics, consider these advanced actions:

These workflows let you take full advantage of Ledger’s security while accessing the broader crypto ecosystem.

Wrapping up — ownership and responsibility

Ledger Live Desktop plus a Ledger hardware wallet gives you strong custodial security: you alone hold the keys that protect your assets. This setup requires responsibility — safekeeping your recovery phrase, choosing secure devices and networks, and confirming every action on your device. Follow the steps above, practice safe habits, and your Ledger setup will serve as a reliable foundation for managing crypto for years to come.

If you ever need step-by-step help, visit Ledger’s official documentation or reach out to support. With a little care up front, you’ll enjoy secure, convenient control over your digital assets.

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