Ledger Live: Desktop — Getting™ Started

A concise, practical guide to install Ledger Live Desktop, set up your Ledger device, manage accounts, and follow security best practices for safe non-custodial crypto management.

Overview

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application that pairs with Ledger hardware wallets (Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X) to provide a secure interface for managing crypto assets. The desktop app offers a full feature set: account management, transaction building, on-device signing, app installation to the device, firmware updates, staking, swapping, and exporting transaction history for reporting.

The security model keeps private keys inside the Ledger secure element; Ledger Live only constructs transactions and displays information. Always verify details on the physical device before approving any operation.

Download & verify

Only download Ledger Live from the official site. Ledger provides checksums and, where applicable, signatures for installers. Verifying these artifacts helps ensure you are running authentic software, especially on machines you don't fully control.

Quick steps

  1. Visit ledger.com/ledger-live and choose Desktop.
  2. Select your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) and download the installer.
  3. Verify the checksum and signature if provided (optional but recommended).
  4. Install and launch Ledger Live Desktop.

Tip: Keep a local copy of verified checksums if you manage multiple installs across machines.

Initial setup & device pairing

Ledger Live Desktop pairs with your Ledger device to present account data and route signing operations. The initial flow is straightforward whether you are creating a new wallet or restoring from an existing recovery phrase.

New device

  1. Power on your Ledger device and select "Set up as new device" on the device screen.
  2. Create a PIN using the device buttons; choose a PIN that is memorable but not trivial.
  3. Write down the recovery phrase shown on the device—use only physical media (paper or metal backup).
  4. Confirm the recovery phrase when prompted on the device.
  5. Open Ledger Live Desktop and follow the wizard to add accounts and install currency apps onto the device.

Restore device

Select "Restore device" on your Ledger during setup and carefully enter your recovery phrase via the device interface. After restoration, connect to Ledger Live Desktop to resync accounts.

Accounts & managing assets

Add accounts per blockchain and manage multiple accounts for the same currency (useful for segregating funds). Ledger Live Desktop will scan the blockchain to show balances and transaction history.

Add an account

  1. Open Accounts > Add account in Ledger Live Desktop.
  2. Choose the currency and connect your device.
  3. Allow the app to scan the chain and add account(s) to your dashboard.

Export transaction histories via CSV for tax reporting or reconciliation.

Sending & receiving

Ledger Live Desktop builds transactions; signing occurs on the connected Ledger device. This two-step model ensures you can independently verify transaction details on a hardware screen before approving.

Receive

  1. Select the target account and click "Receive".
  2. Connect and unlock your Ledger device to display the receiving address on-device.
  3. Verify the address on the device matches the address in the app before sharing it.

Send

  1. Compose the transaction in Ledger Live Desktop (recipient, amount, fee).
  2. Review the preview in the app and then confirm the exact amount and recipient on the device screen.
  3. Approve on-device to sign and broadcast the transaction.

Never sign if on-device details differ from what you expect — malware can tamper with transactions in transit.

Firmware & app updates

Keep your device firmware and Ledger Live Desktop up to date. Ledger provides signed firmware and installer releases; verify authenticity before applying updates. For organizations, stage updates on test devices and maintain rollback plans.

Update checklist

  • Back up your recovery phrase before major firmware upgrades.
  • Read release notes for breaking changes.
  • Apply updates on a stable machine and avoid interrupting the process.

Security best practices

Ledger Live Desktop combined with a Ledger hardware wallet offers strong protection, but user practices matter. Follow these recommendations to reduce risk.

Essentials

  • Buy devices only from official channels to avoid supply-chain tampering.
  • Record recovery phrases on physical media and store copies in separate secure locations.
  • Use a robust PIN and enable optional passphrase-protected hidden wallets if needed.
  • Verify addresses and amounts on-device for every transaction.
  • Keep host machines patched, run reputable antivirus, and avoid installing untrusted software.

Troubleshooting

If Ledger Live Desktop does not detect your device, try a different USB cable or port, ensure the device is unlocked, and reboot the host machine. On Windows, check for driver requirements. If issues persist, collect diagnostic logs from Ledger Live and contact official support.

Lost or compromised recovery phrase

If you lose your recovery phrase but still have device access, create a fresh seed on a new device and transfer funds. If the phrase is compromised, act immediately to move funds to a new wallet.

Support & resources

Ledger maintains a knowledge base, community forums, and enterprise support channels. Use official support for device verification, firmware issues, and complex recovery scenarios.

Helpful links: Download Ledger Live • Ledger Support