Why Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop provides a secure interface to view balances, send and receive funds, install device apps, stake supported tokens, and monitor your portfolio — while keeping private keys offline on your Ledger device (e.g., Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X).
- Works on Windows, macOS and many Linux distributions.
- Supports thousands of crypto assets and tokens.
- All critical actions require confirmation on your physical Ledger device.
System Requirements & Preparations
Before installing, verify:
- Your OS version (Windows 10+/macOS 10.13+/recent Linux kernel).
- A free USB port or Bluetooth for Nano X.
- Reliable internet connection for updates and portfolio sync.
Security reminder: Always download Ledger Live from the official source at ledger.com/ledger-live. Avoid third-party downloads or links sent over messages.
Install & First Launch
Download
Visit the official Ledger Live page and select the Desktop version for your operating system. The installer is signed — verify your OS prompts when requested.
Install
- Run the installer (.exe for Windows / .dmg for macOS / archive for Linux).
- Follow on-screen prompts and grant permissions if required.
- Open Ledger Live after installation completes.
First Launch & Setup
On first open, Ledger Live presents two options:
- Set up a new Ledger device — for new hardware and creating a fresh wallet.
- Restore device — recover an existing wallet using your recovery phrase.
Follow Ledger Live’s guided steps and confirm actions on your physical device. Ledger Live never asks for your recovery phrase; you must enter it only on the secure device when restoring.
Navigating the Interface
Key sections you'll use every day:
- Portfolio — overview of holdings and value changes.
- Accounts — per-asset wallets, balances and transaction history.
- Send & Receive — create and verify transactions.
- Manager — install/update apps on your Ledger device.
- Discover/Swap — integrated partners for swaps, buys or staking.
Adding Accounts
- Open Accounts → Add account in Ledger Live.
- Select the cryptocurrency and connect your Ledger device.
- Ledger Live syncs the chain and adds the account — balances appear when synced.
Tip: You can add multiple accounts for the same asset (e.g., several Ethereum accounts) — each has its own receiving addresses and transaction history.
Send & Receive — Best Practices
Receiving Crypto
- Choose the account and click Receive.
- Connect your Ledger device and verify the address shown on the device screen.
- Share the verified address — only accept funds to that confirmed address.
Sending Crypto
- Open Send, enter recipient address and amount.
- Review fees and details in Ledger Live, then confirm on your Ledger device.
- Always cross-check the address on the device screen before approving.
Never paste an address into Ledger Live without confirming it on your Ledger device. Malware or clipboard hijackers can alter addresses.
Manager, Apps & Firmware
The Manager section lets you install cryptocurrency apps on your device and update firmware safely:
- Install only the apps you need to conserve device storage.
- Run firmware updates when available — updates improve security and add features.
- Follow prompts exactly; firmware updates require device confirmation.
Security Essentials
Ledger Live is only one part of your security model. The hardware device holds private keys offline — this is the crucial layer of protection. Additional security tips:
- Keep your 24-word recovery phrase physically secure and never store it digitally.
- Use a strong PIN on your Ledger device and do not reuse it elsewhere.
- Enable operating system security: strong user password, disk encryption, and anti-malware where appropriate.
- Verify addresses and transaction details on your Ledger device screen every time.
Recovery phrase warning: Ledger or any legitimate service will never ask for your recovery phrase. If anyone asks, treat it as a scam.
Troubleshooting — Quick fixes
- Device not recognized: try a different USB cable/port, ensure device unlocked, and allow Ledger Live to access the device.
- Sync issues: check internet connection, restart Ledger Live, or re-add the account.
- Firmware update fails: ensure battery (Nano X) is charged, use an original cable, and avoid interrupting the update.
Advanced Features & Integrations
Ledger Live supports a growing set of advanced features:
- Staking: Stake supported tokens directly from Ledger Live to earn rewards while keeping keys on-device.
- Swap & Buy: Integrated partners let you swap or buy crypto without exposing private keys.
- Portfolio insights: Track historical performance, individual asset charts, and overall allocation.
Backup & Restore
When you set up your Ledger device, you receive a 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is the only reliable backup of your funds. To restore a wallet:
- During device setup, select Restore device.
- Enter your 24 words in order on the device (not in Ledger Live).
- After restore, reconnect Ledger Live and re-add accounts to sync balances.
If you lose both your device and recovery phrase, there is no way to recover funds. Protect the phrase as you would protect significant assets.
Keeping Ledger Live Up to Date
Ledger releases updates to Ledger Live periodically. Keep the application updated for the best security and newest features:
- Open Ledger Live → Settings → About → Check for updates.
- Follow prompts to download and install the latest version, then restart the app.
Final Notes
Ledger Live Desktop is a secure and user-focused app when paired with a Ledger hardware wallet. Combine careful device usage, cautious online behavior, and secure storage of your recovery phrase to manage crypto safely.
If you’re new to hardware wallets, start with small transactions to get comfortable. As you gain experience, you can leverage more advanced features like staking and integrated swaps while keeping private keys offline.