Ledger® Live: Desktop — Getting Started with Your Device

This clear, practical guide walks you through setting up Ledger Live Desktop and your Ledger hardware wallet. Learn how to download, install, initialize your device, manage accounts, perform transactions, and follow security best practices.

What is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the official application designed to interact with Ledger hardware wallets (e.g., Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X). The app is the central hub for installing blockchain-specific apps on your device, adding and viewing crypto accounts, sending and receiving funds, staking supported assets, and applying firmware updates. Crucially, Ledger Live ensures private keys remain on your hardware device — the desktop app only sends unsigned transactions to the device for confirmation.

Why use Ledger Live Desktop?

Using the desktop version offers several advantages:

Step 1 — Download Ledger Live safely

Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Open a browser and type the URL directly or visit ledger.com/ledger-live. Choose the Desktop installer for Windows, macOS or Linux. Avoid downloads linked from unsolicited emails or third-party sites — phishing is common in crypto.

Tip: If you want extra assurance, verify the installer checksum or signature using Ledger’s published instructions.

Step 2 — Install Ledger Live

Run the downloaded installer and follow the OS-specific prompts:

When you open Ledger Live for the first time, you’ll be offered a short setup flow describing features and privacy settings — read them and proceed.

Step 3 — Initialize or restore your Ledger device

There are two common scenarios: setting up a brand-new device or restoring an existing wallet.

Set up as new

  1. Connect your Ledger to your computer with the supplied cable.
  2. On the device, follow the prompts to choose a PIN. Use a PIN you’ll remember but that’s hard for others to guess.
  3. The device will generate a recovery phrase (the 24-word seed). Write the words down in order on the recovery sheet provided and store it securely offline. Do not photograph or digitally store the seed.
  4. Confirm the seed when prompted.

Restore from recovery phrase

  1. If you already have a recovery phrase from another Ledger or a compatible wallet, choose the restore option and enter the words in order.
  2. After restoring, the device will derive your keys and Ledger Live will be able to access your accounts.
Warning: Your recovery phrase is the master key to your funds. Anyone with it can restore your wallet and spend funds. If lost, you cannot recover funds without it.

Step 4 — Install blockchain apps on your device

Ledger devices use small on-device apps to support each cryptocurrency. In Ledger Live, open the Manager tab:

  1. Connect and unlock your device.
  2. Browse available apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) and click Install for the ones you need.
  3. Apps are lightweight; you can uninstall and reinstall them without losing access to funds (keys are derived from your recovery phrase).

Only install apps you plan to use to conserve on-device storage.

Step 5 — Add accounts in Ledger Live

With apps installed, add accounts to Ledger Live to view balances and transactions:

  1. Go to the Accounts tab and click Add account.
  2. Select the cryptocurrency and follow the prompts; Ledger Live queries the blockchain and displays existing balances for addresses derived from your device.
  3. Repeat to add multiple accounts across different blockchains.

Accounts in Ledger Live are read-only representations; the private keys remain on-device.

Step 6 — Receive and send crypto securely

Receiving funds

  1. Select an account and click Receive.
  2. Ledger Live displays a receiving address and prompts you to verify it on your device screen.
  3. Only use the address shown on the device — malware can alter what's shown in the desktop app but cannot change the on-device display.

Sending funds

  1. Click Send, enter the recipient address and amount in Ledger Live.
  2. Review transaction details and confirm the transaction on your Ledger device. The device will display the destination address and amount — confirm them carefully.

Always verify details on the hardware screen before approving; on-device review is the final security step.

Exploring Ledger Live features

Use third-party integrations only when you understand the interactions and always verify on-device confirmations.

Security best practices

Troubleshooting common issues

If issues persist, consult Ledger Support for official troubleshooting steps and resources.

Advanced tips for power users

Final thoughts

Ledger Live Desktop paired with a Ledger hardware wallet offers one of the most secure ways to manage digital assets. The key strengths are hardware-enforced private key isolation and on-device transaction confirmations. By following the steps above — downloading safely, initializing correctly, protecting your recovery phrase, and verifying on-device confirmations — you’ll create a strong foundation for long-term custody. Keep software up to date, practice good operational security, and gradually explore advanced features as your comfort grows.

If you’re ever unsure, rely on official Ledger documentation and support for the most accurate guidance.