Ledger Live Desktop — Getting Started | Official Ledger Wallet

1. Introduction: Why Ledger Live Desktop Matters

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop companion app for Ledger hardware wallets (such as Nano S Plus and Nano X). It lets you manage all of your crypto securely — send, receive, buy, swap, stake, install blockchain apps, and track portfolio performance — with private keys that never leave your hardware device.

Use this guide to walk through:
• Download & installation
• Device onboarding & recovery
• Accounts & portfolio
• Everyday crypto actions
• Security best practices
• Troubleshooting

📌 Interlink: You’ll see sections like “Install & Setup” referenced later under “Security Checklist.”

2. System Requirements & Supported Platforms

Before installing Ledger Live Desktop, make sure your system is compatible:

Supported Operating Systems:
• Windows (10 and up)
• macOS (Monterey or later)
• Linux distributions (Ubuntu 20.04+, others supported)

Devices Supported:
• Ledger Nano S Plus
• Ledger Nano X
• Newer Ledger devices

Connection Requirements:
• USB data cable (for most desktop uses)
• Bluetooth (limited support via mobile Ledger Live; desktop usually uses USB)

3. Safe Download & Installation

Never download Ledger Live from unverified links. Only use the official Ledger website (e.g., ledger.com/ledger-live) to avoid fake installers and phishing campaigns.

Install Ledger Live Desktop:

  1. Visit the official Ledger Live download page.
  2. Choose your desktop OS.
  3. Run the installer and follow on‑screen prompts.
  4. Launch Ledger Live Desktop after installation.

💡 Pro Tip (Interlink to Security): Verify the installer’s checksum or signature if you understand how; this helps guarantee authenticity.

4. First Time Setup: Connect Your Ledger Device

After installing:

  1. Open Ledger Live Desktop and click Get Started.
  2. Choose whether you are:
    • Setting up a new device
    • Restoring an existing one via recovery words

Connect your Ledger device via USB.
3. Follow the prompts on the device itself — PIN setup, recovery phrase backup, and firmware checks.

4.1 Initialize a New Ledger Device

• Choose Set up as new in Ledger Live.
• On the device, select a secure PIN code (6+ digits recommended).
• Your device will generate a 24‑word recovery phrase — write it down offline, in order.
• Confirm the phrase when prompted.
👉 Never store this recovery offline digitally.

4.2 Restore an Existing Wallet

If you already have your recovery words from a prior wallet:
• Select Restore device in the Ledger Live setup flow.
• Enter your 24 words on the hardware device only.
• Ledger Live will connect and reconstruct your accounts.
⚠️ Never type your recovery phrase into a website or software application directly.

5. Add & Manage Crypto Accounts

Once your device is initialized and unlocked:

5.1 Install Apps on Your Ledger

Different cryptocurrencies use blockchain‑specific apps that run on your device.
Navigate to Manager inside Ledger Live to install apps like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.

5.2 Add Accounts

  1. Go to the Accounts tab.
  2. Click Add account.
  3. Choose which crypto asset you want to add.
  4. Ledger Live will sync and show the account balance and transaction history.
    • You can create multiple accounts per asset to organize funds.

📌 Interlink: Accounts feed directly into your “Portfolio Overview” for combined balances.

6. Understanding the Dashboard & Portfolio View

The Ledger Live Desktop dashboard shows:
• Total portfolio value
• Real‑time crypto prices
• Transaction histories
• Performance charts
• Exportable reports (CSV) for tax or accounting needs

This gives you a bird’s‑eye view of all assets managed through your Ledger device.

7. Everyday Crypto Actions

Once setup is complete, you can use Ledger Live Desktop to:

7.1 Send Crypto

• Select the account
• Click Send
• Enter recipient address and amount
• Confirm details on your hardware device before signing

7.2 Receive Crypto

• Select an account
• Click Receive
• Connect your Ledger device and confirm the address display
• Only use addresses confirmed on your device screen

7.3 Buy & Swap

• Ledger Live integrates third‑party partners to buy or swap assets.
• Fees and identity verification (KYC) may apply.

7.4 Staking Rewards

• Participate in supported staking options (e.g., Ethereum, Tezos).
• Ledger Live guides the delegation and reward collection flow.

8. Backup, Recovery, & Passphrase Options

8.1 Recovery Phrase Handling

Your 24‑word recovery phrase is the only reliable backup of your wallet.
• Keep it offline on physical media.
• Do not store it as a photo, digital text, or in cloud storage.

8.2 Optional Passphrase (Advanced)

A password‑protected passphrase adds an extra “25th word” and creates a hidden wallet.
• Only use this if you fully understand how it works.
• Losing the passphrase means losing access to funds in that hidden wallet.

9. Security Best Practices

Ledger Live Desktop is secure by design, but good habits matter:

Private Keys Offline
• Keys remain inside the hardware device — never exposed to your computer.

Confirm Everything on Your Device
• Always verify receiving addresses and transaction details on the device display.

Firmware & App Updates
• Keep Ledger firmware and Live app up to date — updates often include security patches.

Beware of Phishing
• Only download Ledger Live from official sources. Avoid emails and links that ask for your seed phrase — Ledger will never ask for it.

💡 Interlink: See “Safe Download & Installation” and “Backup & Recovery” for deeper security context.

10. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Device Not Detected?
• Use a quality USB cable (data capable).
• Try another USB port.
• Ensure the device is unlocked before launching Ledger Live.

App Installation Errors
• Remove and reinstall the app from the Manager.
• Ensure device storage isn’t at full capacity.

Connectivity Problems
• Restart Ledger Live.
• Check OS permissions (macOS firewall/USB prompt).

11. FAQs & Helpful Tips

Do I need a Ledger device to use Ledger Live?
Some features like portfolio overview may appear, but full functionality (send/receive/stake) requires the hardware wallet.

Is Ledger Live Desktop free?
Yes — the software is free. Fees only arise from blockchain transactions or third‑party service providers.

Can I use Ledger Live Desktop on multiple computers?
Yes. Install the app on each machine — your device signs transactions wherever you connect it.

12. Conclusion & Next Steps

With Ledger Live Desktop installed and your Ledger device securely onboarded, you can confidently manage your crypto assets with industry‑leading security:

✔ Secure private keys on hardware
✔ Real‑time portfolio tracking
✔ Send/receive crypto with device confirmation
✔ Buy, swap, stake, and explore DeFi securely

Next Steps:
• Review the Portfolio & Accounts section.
• Try a small test transaction.
• Explore advanced features like staking and NFT support.