Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started
Keywords: Ledger Live Desktop, Ledger/Live/Desktop, ledger live desktop
Introduction
Welcome to Ledger® Live: Desktop®, your secure gateway to managing crypto assets with peace of mind. Ledger Live Desktop guides you through setup, recovery, and daily management of your cryptocurrencies. Whether you're installing Ledger Live for the first time or returning to check balances, this guide walks you through the essentials so you can use Ledger Live Desktop confidently.
Download and Install
First, download Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger website and install the application. Always verify you are downloading the official Ledger Live Desktop installer to avoid malicious copies. After installation, launch Ledger Live Desktop and follow the on-screen prompts to begin setup. Using Ledger Live Desktop ensures your device communicates with the Ledger hardware securely and lets you access features like portfolio overview, send and receive, and staking.
Set Up Your Device
When setting up Ledger Live Desktop, you'll pair your Ledger hardware device (Ledger Nano S, Ledger Nano X, or another Ledger device) with the app. Create a new wallet by following steps on the device and the Ledger Live Desktop interface. You will be shown a 24-word recovery phrase — write this down carefully and store it offline. Ledger Live Desktop never stores your recovery phrase; it only facilitates interaction with the device. Use the Ledger/Live/Desktop app to add accounts and view supported cryptocurrencies.
Adding Accounts
Inside Ledger Live Desktop, go to Accounts and choose Add account. Select the currency you want to add, connect your Ledger device, and follow prompts to add the account. Ledger Live Desktop supports many coins and tokens — explore supported assets and add the ones you need. After adding accounts, Ledger Live Desktop will display balances, transaction history, and portfolio metrics.
Sending and Receiving Crypto
To receive funds, open the account in Ledger Live Desktop and click Receive. Verify the address shown on Ledger Live Desktop and confirm it on your Ledger hardware. Always compare addresses on-screen and on-device to ensure they match. To send funds, click Send, enter the recipient address, and confirm on your Ledger device. The Ledger Live Desktop interface ensures transactions are signed securely by the hardware device before broadcasting.
Updates and Security
Keep Ledger Live Desktop up to date. Ledger periodically releases updates that add support for new assets and improve security. Ledger Live Desktop notifies you when firmware or app updates are available — apply them promptly using the official update flow. Never share your 24-word recovery phrase; Ledger Live Desktop will never ask for it. Use a strong PIN on your Ledger device and enable additional OS-level protections if available.
Advanced Features
Ledger Live Desktop includes portfolio tracking, market data, and the ability to manage staking for supported coins. You can review estimated portfolio performance and use Ledger/Live/Desktop tools to export transaction histories for taxes or accounting. Explore integrations, apps, and third-party connections through Ledger Live Desktop, and always vet any third-party service before granting access.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Ledger Live Desktop and why should I use Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop is the companion desktop application for Ledger hardware wallets. Use Ledger Live Desktop to manage accounts, send and receive crypto, and keep your portfolio organized. Ledger Live Desktop communicates only with your device and never stores your private keys.
2. How do I securely set up my Ledger device with Ledger Live Desktop?
Download Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger website, follow the setup instructions, and record your recovery phrase offline. Confirm each address on your Ledger device screen when receiving funds and never enter your recovery phrase into Ledger Live Desktop or any online form.
3. Can I restore my wallet in Ledger Live Desktop using my recovery phrase?
Yes — if you have a recovery phrase from a previous Ledger device, you can restore the wallet on a new Ledger device and then connect it to Ledger Live Desktop to access accounts.
4. What should I do if Ledger Live Desktop says a firmware update is required?
Follow the update prompts in Ledger Live Desktop. Ensure your device stays connected and do not interrupt the process. Firmware updates are important for security and compatibility with Ledger Live Desktop features.
5. Is Ledger Live Desktop safe to use on public or shared computers?
Ledger Live Desktop can be used on public or shared computers, but it's safer to use your own secured device. Always ensure the OS is up to date, avoid untrusted networks, and never input your recovery phrase anywhere on the computer when using Ledger Live Desktop.