A practical, beginner-friendly walkthrough for installing, configuring, and using Ledger Live Desktop to securely manage cryptocurrencies with your Ledger hardware wallet.
Quick security reminder: Ledger Live is a companion app for Ledger hardware wallets. Your private keys never leave the device — always verify addresses and transaction details on your Ledger device before approving. Never share your recovery phrase.
What is Ledger Live (desktop)?
Ledger Live is Ledger’s official desktop application that centralizes device management, account setup, portfolio tracking, and transaction signing. It communicates with your Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.) to create unsigned transactions on your computer; the device then signs them, keeping private keys isolated and secure. Ledger Live supports installing coin apps, adding accounts, sending and receiving crypto, staking, swaps, purchasing assets via partners, firmware updates, and portfolio analytics all within one intuitive interface.
Why choose the desktop app?
Full feature set: Desktop provides the most complete experience for device manager tasks and firmware updates.
Performance: Handles large transaction histories and multiple accounts more smoothly than web alternatives.
Reliability & security: Works locally on your machine and pairs with the hardware wallet for signing — your keys remain offline.
Convenience: Portfolio overview, integrated services, and device settings are accessible from one place.
Before you begin
Buy Ledger hardware only from Ledger’s official store or authorized resellers to avoid tampered devices.
Use a desktop or laptop with Windows, macOS, or Linux and an available USB port (or Bluetooth for supported Nano X workflows).
Write your recovery phrase (24 words) on the supplied sheet or a durable metal backup — never store it digitally or photograph it.
Ensure a stable internet connection for downloads and updates.
Download & install Ledger Live
Visit Ledger’s official site and navigate to the Downloads page. Verify the URL uses HTTPS.
Select the Desktop version for your operating system and download the installer.
Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts, granting necessary permissions for USB access.
Launch Ledger Live and follow the initial onboarding flow to connect your Ledger device for the first time.
Tip: Keep Ledger Live updated — it will notify you when new versions are available, which often include security and performance improvements.
Initial device setup
Connect and choose setup
Connect your Ledger device with the provided USB cable. Ledger Live will detect it and present setup options: set up as a new device, restore from recovery phrase, or use an existing device. For new devices, follow the flow to generate a recovery phrase and set a PIN directly on the device. Always confirm prompts on the device itself.
Firmware updates
Ledger Live may request firmware updates when your device is connected. Firmware ensures security fixes and feature additions—approve updates on-device and do not disconnect during the process. If an update fails, consult Ledger’s official troubleshooting guidance rather than third-party forums for critical recovery steps.
Manager — installing coin apps
Ledger devices run small apps for each supported cryptocurrency. Open the Manager tab in Ledger Live to install apps for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc. Device storage limits how many apps can be installed simultaneously; you can uninstall and re-install apps without losing funds because accounts are derived from your recovery phrase and can be restored anytime.
Adding accounts
Go to the Accounts tab and click Add account.
Choose the cryptocurrency you want to add while your Ledger is connected.
Ledger Live will scan and display account balances and transaction history.
Create multiple accounts of the same type to separate funds (e.g., savings vs. trading) or for privacy reasons.
Receiving cryptocurrency
Select the account and click Receive.
Ledger Live will display a receiving address; your device will show the same address on its screen.
Verify the address on the device before sharing it. Only use addresses confirmed on-device.
For privacy, generate new addresses for different incoming payments when practical. Always double-check amounts and address strings before sending large transfers.
Sending cryptocurrency
Click Send and enter the recipient’s address and amount.
Choose a fee level if available (slow/standard/fast) and review the total cost.
Ledger Live composes the unsigned transaction; your Ledger device will display transaction details for final approval. Verify recipient, amount, and fees on-device and confirm to sign.
Because signing happens on the hardware, malware on your computer cannot silently alter transaction details without you seeing the change on-device.
Staking, Swap & Buy features
Ledger Live integrates third-party providers to offer staking for supported PoS tokens, swap services, and fiat on-ramps. These services are provided by external partners and may incur fees — review provider terms and fees before proceeding. Staking may include lock-up or unbonding periods; understand those mechanics before delegating assets.
Firmware updates & device health
Ledger Live notifies you when firmware updates are available. Apply updates only through Ledger Live and confirm each step on the device. If your device behaves unexpectedly after an update, contact Ledger support and follow official recovery instructions rather than unverified community fixes.
Security best practices
Recovery phrase safety: Write your recovery phrase on the supplied card or use a metal backup; keep it offline in a secure location (safe or safe-deposit box).
Verify on-device: Always confirm addresses and transaction details on your Ledger screen before approving.
Official downloads only: Download Ledger Live from Ledger’s site and avoid links in unsolicited messages.
Beware phishing: Never enter your recovery phrase anywhere; Ledger support will never ask for it.
PIN & passphrase: Use a PIN to lock your device and consider an optional passphrase only if you understand its risks and management needs.
Keep software updated: Update Ledger Live, your OS, and security software regularly.
Troubleshooting common issues
Device not detected
Try another USB cable/port, avoid hubs, ensure Ledger Live is up to date, and restart your computer. On Windows, install any drivers if prompted.
App won't install
Free up app storage on the device by uninstalling unused apps, then reinstall via Manager. Reinstalling apps does not delete accounts or funds.
Forgot PIN
After several incorrect PIN attempts the device may wipe. Restore your wallet using the recovery phrase on the same or a new Ledger device.
Seed compromised
If you suspect your recovery phrase has been exposed, immediately create a new wallet with a fresh seed and transfer funds. Treat disclosure as an emergency.
Advanced usage
Third-party integrations: Use Ledger with MetaMask, Electrum, or other wallets to interact with dApps while using Ledger solely as the signing device.
Multisig setups: Ledger devices can be signers in multisig configurations for organizations or high-value storage.
Coin control & privacy: Use distinct accounts and UTXO selection to manage on-chain privacy and reduce linkability.