Start Using Ledger® Live on Desktop — Secure Wallet App

A complete, friendly guide to install, set up, secure, and use Ledger Live Desktop — the secure wallet app that works with Ledger hardware wallets.

Why Start Using Ledger Live on Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the secure wallet app that gives you one central place to manage, update, and protect your crypto assets. Start using Ledger Live on desktop to connect your Ledger hardware wallet, keep firmware up to date, add accounts, stake supported tokens, and send and receive assets — all while your private keys remain safely on your Ledger device. For official downloads and product information, always refer to Ledger's official site and Ledger Live download center. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

1

Download Ledger Live Desktop

Start by downloading Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger download page. Ledger provides installers for Windows, macOS, and Linux; choose the correct package for your operating system and verify the file when possible using the provided checksums or signature files. Ledger also documents the download and install steps in their support portal. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

2

Install and Launch

Run the installer you downloaded and allow the app to install. On first launch, Ledger Live will ask to create or restore a portfolio. Follow the guided onboarding. If you use a Ledger hardware wallet for the first time, create a new device wallet and record your recovery phrase in a secure manner. If you're restoring, select the recovery option and enter your recovery phrase on the device itself.

3

Connect Your Ledger Device

Connect your Ledger hardware wallet using the supplied USB cable (or Bluetooth for supported mobile devices). Unlock the device with your PIN and open the Ledger Live desktop app. Ledger Live will detect the device and let you add accounts. Always verify on-device prompts and never approve actions you did not initiate on the Ledger device.

4

Add Accounts & Manage Apps

Use Ledger Live to add accounts for supported assets. Install the necessary apps on your Ledger device from the Manager section if required. Ledger Live keeps a clear mapping between accounts in the app and the on-device application state, so you can manage multiple currencies with confidence.

5

Backup Your Recovery Phrase

When you create a wallet, you'll receive a recovery phrase (typically 24 words). Start the backup process immediately: write words on the official recovery card or use a metal backup. Never store your recovery phrase digitally or share it. Ledger Live and Ledger devices never ask for your seed — any request for the seed outside the device is a scam. Keep the backup somewhere safe and consider redundancy across trusted, geographically separated locations.

6

Test with a Small Transaction

Before moving large sums, start with a small transaction. Send and receive a small amount to ensure addresses match and signing works as expected. Confirm the address on your device screen and the Ledger Live app to ensure the payee is correct.

Secure On-Device Signing

Ledger Live delegates all signing operations to your Ledger device — private keys never leave the hardware. This secure architecture makes Ledger Live a trustworthy desktop companion for hardware wallets.

Portfolio Overview & Analytics

Ledger Live Desktop shows portfolio balances, historical charts, and token breakdowns. Use the app to monitor holdings and track performance over time.

App & Firmware Management

Ledger Live provides a Manager to install apps on your device, update firmware safely, and manage device settings. Always back up before firmware updates and read release notes. Ledger publishes release notes and update guidance for both Ledger Live and device OS. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Staking & Integrated Services

For supported tokens, Ledger Live enables staking or integrated third-party services directly from the desktop app, always requiring on-device approvals to keep private keys secure.

Security: Best Practices for Ledger Live Desktop

Security is the reason you start using Ledger Live with a hardware wallet. Follow these practices to keep your funds safe and reduce your attack surface:

  • Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger site or verified mirrors and verify installers using the published signatures or checksums. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
  • Never enter your recovery phrase into any software or website — recovery phrases belong on the device only or on your secure offline backup.
  • Keep your device firmware and Ledger Live version up to date but confirm release notes before installing updates. Ledger documents updates and release notes in their support center. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
  • Beware of fake apps and phishing. Recent reports show malware campaigns distributing counterfeit wallet apps to steal seed phrases; always confirm you downloaded the genuine Ledger Live. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
  • Consider a passphrase for extra protection (a passphrase adds another secret you control; losing it means losing the account linked to it).

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I download Ledger Live Desktop?

Download Ledger Live from Ledger's official download page. Ledger provides installers per OS and instructions in their support portal. Always verify the download origin before running installers. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Do I need a Ledger hardware wallet to use Ledger Live?

Yes — Ledger Live is the companion app for Ledger hardware wallets. Ledger Live provides the UI and account management, but private keys are stored on your Ledger device, so the device is required for signing transactions and full secure use.

What if Ledger Live doesn't detect my device?

Try a different USB cable/port, ensure the device is unlocked with the PIN, and restart Ledger Live. If issues persist, consult Ledger's support documentation and community for device-specific troubleshooting steps. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

How does Ledger Live handle firmware updates?

Ledger Live Desktop handles firmware updates through a guided flow — always back up your recovery phrase before updating, read release notes, and confirm actions on-device. Ledger Support publishes release notes and update guidance for firmware. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

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Note: I referenced official Ledger guidance for downloads and support above to ensure accuracy; always keep external references current before publishing. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}