Ledger Live: Desktop — Getting™ Started

A comprehensive desktop-first guide to installing, configuring, and using Ledger Live — the official companion app for Ledger hardware wallets. This guide focuses on secure setup, account management, transactions, and advanced features for desktop users.

Introduction

Ledger Live is more than a UI — it’s the security gateway that coordinates your Ledger hardware device with the broader crypto ecosystem. The desktop edition offers robust features: portfolio tracking, app management, staking, swapping, and advanced account controls. This guide is tailored for desktop users who prioritize security and usability.

Before you begin

  • Ensure you have a genuine Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.).
  • Use a dedicated computer when possible — avoid kiosks or shared systems for initial setup.
  • Download Ledger Live only from the official site and verify signatures when available.

Safety-first: Ledger support will never ask for your recovery phrase. Treat the phrase as the ultimate secret and keep it offline.

1. Installing Ledger Live on desktop

Download & verify

  1. Visit ledger.com/ledger-live and choose your OS (macOS, Windows, Linux).
  2. Download the installer and verify checksums or signatures if provided.
  3. Run the installer and follow prompts to complete installation.

Verification reduces the risk of tampered installers and is highly recommended for security-conscious users.

2. Connect your Ledger device

  1. Open Ledger Live and select "Get started".
  2. Choose whether to set up a new device or restore an existing one.
  3. Follow on-screen steps to connect your device via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X).

Ledger Live will guide you through firmware checks and the creation of a PIN and recovery phrase if setting up a new device.

3. Accounts & app management

Install coin apps

Ledger devices support multiple coins via apps installed on-device. Use Ledger Live's Manager to install the specific coin apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) — note that device storage limits how many apps are installed simultaneously.

Add accounts

  1. Open the "Accounts" tab in Ledger Live.
  2. Click "Add account", choose the coin, and follow prompts to discover addresses on your device.
  3. Repeat for each account you want to manage from the same seed.

Ledger Live uses standard derivation paths to discover accounts; advanced users can configure custom derivation schemes when necessary.

4. Sending & receiving transactions

Receiving

  1. Select the account and click "Receive".
  2. Connect your device and verify the address shown on the device screen.
  3. Use the verified address to receive funds and start with a small test amount.

Sending

  1. Create a new transaction in Ledger Live.
  2. Review details on-screen and confirm the transaction on your Ledger device.
  3. Ledger Live broadcasts the signed transaction to the network.

Always confirm destination addresses on-device; do not rely solely on the desktop display.

5. Firmware updates & maintenance

Ledger Live will notify you when firmware updates are available. Firmware updates are signed by Ledger and should be installed via Ledger Live only.

  • Backup your recovery phrase before updating firmware as a precaution.
  • Follow on-device instructions carefully during updates.

6. Advanced features

Staking & earning

Ledger Live offers staking integrations for supported coins. Review validator reputations and fees and understand slashing risks before staking funds.

Swap & exchange integrations

Built-in swap services allow direct exchanges; third-party providers execute swaps — review fees and provider reputation.

Developer & third-party integrations

Ledger devices integrate with many third-party wallets and DeFi apps via standard protocols. Only connect to trusted, open-source applications when possible.

7. Security hardening for desktop users

  • Use a dedicated machine when performing initial setup or large transfers.
  • Keep your OS and Ledger Live up to date with security patches.
  • Prefer hardware firewalls, endpoint protection, and physical security for long-term storage devices.
  • Never enter your recovery phrase into a computer or phone — use the device for recovery only.

Consider air-gapped setups for maximum security: generate seeds on an offline device and use unsigned offline transactions with manual broadcasting where supported.

8. Troubleshooting common desktop issues

  • Device not recognized: try another USB cable/port and ensure Ledger Live has the necessary OS permissions.
  • Bluetooth pairing issues (Nano X): remove device pairing in OS settings and re-pair through Ledger Live.
  • App installation errors: check device storage and remove unused apps before installing new ones.

9. Backup & recovery strategies

  • Store your recovery phrase on non-digital media (paper, metal) in secure locations.
  • Create multiple geographically separated copies to mitigate localized disasters.
  • Test recovery on a spare device to validate your backups.

10. Privacy considerations

Ledger Live connects to Ledger's servers for updates, market data, and remote services. Review privacy settings in the app and limit telemetry if you prefer. For enhanced privacy on-chain, use fresh addresses and consider coin-joining or privacy-preserving tools for supported chains.

11. Resources & official links

12. Final checklist

  1. Downloaded Ledger Live from the official site and verified installer integrity.
  2. Initialized your Ledger device with a secure PIN and recorded your recovery phrase offline.
  3. Installed necessary coin apps and added accounts in Ledger Live.
  4. Performed small test transactions for receives and sends before moving larger amounts.
  5. Planned and tested backup and recovery procedures.