Overview
Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application that pairs with Ledger hardware wallets (such as Ledger Nano S and Ledger Nano X). It provides a single, secure interface to view balances, manage accounts, install coin apps, send and receive cryptocurrencies, stake supported assets, and connect to trusted third-party services — all while ensuring that private keys remain on your Ledger device. This guide focuses on the desktop experience and practical steps to get up and running securely.
Before you begin
- Confirm you have a Ledger hardware device (Nano S, Nano X, or other supported model).
- Use a trusted personal computer (avoid public or shared machines for setup).
- Have the official USB cable or Bluetooth (as supported) ready.
- Prepare a pen and the recovery sheet or an appropriate metal backup for long-term storage of your recovery phrase.
Important: Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website. Do not respond to emails or links that ask you to download Ledger Live from third-party sources.
Download & install Ledger Live Desktop
To install Ledger Live Desktop:
- Open your browser and go to the official Ledger site (bookmark it for future use).
- Download the Ledger Live desktop installer for your operating system.
- Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete installation.
- Launch Ledger Live and choose Get started to begin the onboarding flow.
Tip: If you see an unexpected prompt or checksum mismatch, do not continue. Verify the download source and contact official Ledger support if necessary.
Initial setup & device pairing
Ledger Live will guide you through pairing your Ledger device. You can either set up the device as new or restore an existing wallet. During setup, follow the device prompts — the device generates and displays the recovery phrase and manages PIN entry locally. Ledger Live acts as the user interface but never sees your private keys or recovery phrase.
- Connect your Ledger: Use the official cable or Bluetooth (if supported by your model) and connect to the computer.
- Select setup option: Choose Set up as new device or Restore device depending on your situation.
- Create/confirm recovery phrase: For new devices, write down the recovery phrase shown on the device exactly in order; confirm when prompted.
- Set a PIN: Choose a PIN on the device to protect it from unauthorized physical use.
- Finalize pairing: Ledger Live will detect the device and complete the onboarding flow.
Adding accounts & managing assets
Once paired, add accounts for the blockchains you want to manage. Ledger Live uses apps installed on the Ledger device to support different coins; use the Manager tab to install or remove coin apps as needed.
- Install coin apps: Open Manager → Install and add apps for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other supported coins.
- Add accounts: Use Accounts → Add account to create a view of that coin's balances and history in Ledger Live.
- Label & organize: Name accounts (e.g., savings, trading, treasury) to simplify tracking and taxes.
Note: Some devices have limited internal app storage; remove unused apps to make room for others. Removing an app does not delete funds — private keys remain safe on-device and accounts are recoverable from the seed.
Sending & receiving funds — the secure flow
Ledger Live prepares transactions and sends them to your device for signing. The device will always display the transaction details for you to verify before approving. This separation helps protect against malware and address-swapping attacks.
- Receive: Generate a receive address in Ledger Live, then verify the address on your Ledger device before sharing it.
- Send: Enter recipient address and amount in Ledger Live. The unsigned transaction is sent to the device; carefully check the address, amount, and fees on the device screen and physically confirm to sign.
- Fees: Choose a fee level appropriate for the desired confirmation time — Ledger Live offers presets and custom-fee options for many coins.
Always verify transaction details on the device screen — do not rely solely on what appears in the desktop UI.
Staking, dApps & third-party integrations
Ledger Live supports staking for certain assets and offers integrations with vetted third-party services for swaps, DeFi, and NFTs. When connecting to third-party services, ensure you're using trusted partners and that final transaction approval occurs on your Ledger device.
- Stake supported coins directly from Ledger Live to earn rewards while keeping custody of keys.
- Connect to dApps through recommended pathways; review contracts and permissions on the device when prompted.
- For NFTs and specialized tokens, follow recommended partner flows and verify all details on-device.
Firmware updates & device integrity
Keep your Ledger device firmware up to date. Ledger Live notifies you when official firmware updates are available and walks you through applying them. Always verify update prompts shown on the device before consenting. Firmware updates bring security fixes and improvements — applying them promptly reduces exposure to known vulnerabilities.
Backup & recovery
The recovery phrase (seed) is the only reliable backup of your private keys. Store it offline in at least one secure location — consider a fire- and water-resistant metal backup for long-term durability. Never create digital copies of your recovery phrase.
- Write the seed in the exact word order shown on the device.
- Store copies in geographically separated secure locations if appropriate.
- If you suspect the seed has been exposed, restore to a new seed and transfer funds immediately.
Security best practices (summary)
- Always download Ledger Live from the official site and verify the installer if possible.
- Keep your recovery phrase offline; never share it or enter it into any computer or website.
- Use a strong PIN and consider optional passphrase protection if you understand the risks.
- Verify transaction details on the Ledger device before signing.
- Keep Ledger Live and device firmware updated; follow official channels for support.
Troubleshooting & support
If Ledger Live does not detect your device, try the official cable and a different USB port, restart Ledger Live and your computer, or reinstall the application. Avoid using third-party driver utilities. For persistent issues, consult official Ledger documentation and support channels — never share your recovery phrase or PIN on support tickets.
- What if I forget my PIN?
- After repeated incorrect attempts the device will wipe itself; you will need your recovery phrase to restore accounts to a new device.
- Can I use Ledger Live on multiple desktops?
- Yes — Ledger Live can be installed on multiple trusted machines; your Ledger device and recovery phrase remain the authoritative source for accounts.
Conclusion
Ledger Live Desktop offers a robust, secure environment to manage cryptocurrencies while keeping private keys safely on your Ledger hardware device. By following the installation and onboarding steps above, protecting your recovery phrase, verifying transactions on-device, and keeping software up to date, you establish a strong security posture for everyday use and advanced interactions with DeFi, staking, and third-party services.