Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started

A complete guide to get started with Ledger® Live Desktop®. Learn how to download Ledger Live Desktop®, install Ledger Live Desktop®, add accounts, manage crypto assets, and follow best security practices for Ledger Live Desktop® users.

Introduction — Ledger® Live Desktop®

Ledger® Live Desktop® is the official desktop application designed to work with Ledger hardware wallets. Ledger Live Desktop® allows users to securely manage crypto, view balances, send and receive assets, stake supported coins, and install Ledger apps on your hardware device while keeping private keys offline. Ledger Live Desktop® provides an official, secure interface and is suitable for beginners and advanced crypto users alike.

Why Ledger® Live Desktop® is essential

  • Hardware-backed security ensures private keys never leave the device.
  • Multi-asset support enables management of numerous coins and tokens.
  • Built-in Manager allows installing apps and updating device firmware safely.
  • Ledger Live Desktop® provides on-ramp/off-ramp and swap features directly.

Step 1 — Download Ledger Live Desktop®

Always download Ledger Live Desktop® from the official domain to avoid phishing scams. Choose the correct operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) and download the official installer.

  1. Go to the official Ledger® Live Desktop® download page.
  2. Choose your operating system and download the installer.
  3. Optionally, verify the checksum or signature to ensure authenticity.

Tip: Bookmark the official download page to prevent visiting fake Ledger Live sites in the future.

Step 2 — Install Ledger Live Desktop®

  1. Windows: Run the .exe file and follow prompts.
  2. macOS: Open .dmg, drag Ledger Live Desktop® to Applications, and approve any security prompts.
  3. Linux: Follow AppImage or package installation instructions from the official site.

Step 3 — Connect Ledger device

Open Ledger Live Desktop® and create a Ledger profile. Connect your Ledger hardware wallet using USB (or Bluetooth if supported). Open the requested app on the device and approve the connection. Ledger Live Desktop® will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase.

Security Alert: Never enter your recovery phrase into any app, website, or email. Ledger® and Ledger Live Desktop® will never ask for it.

Step 4 — Add accounts in Ledger Live Desktop®

Go to Accounts → Add account. Select the coin you want to manage, open the corresponding app on the Ledger device, and Ledger Live Desktop® will detect accounts. You can add multiple accounts for the same coin. Accounts appear in Portfolio and allow sending, receiving, and tracking balances.

Step 5 — Update Ledger Live Desktop® and device firmware

Ledger Live Desktop® notifies you of available updates. Always update Ledger Live Desktop® and firmware to maintain security and compatibility with the latest crypto assets. Firmware updates are done via the Manager tab, and you should never disconnect during an update.

Security best practices

  • Download Ledger Live Desktop® only from the official domain.
  • Verify installer checksums/signatures.
  • Store your 24-word recovery phrase offline and secure.
  • Use a strong PIN and enable recommended protections.
  • Keep your computer OS and browser up-to-date.

Troubleshooting common issues

  • Device not detected: check cable, port, and ensure the device is unlocked.
  • Accounts missing: update Ledger Live Desktop® and device firmware, retry Add account flow.
  • App installation fails: restart Ledger Live Desktop®, ensure device app is open, retry.