Ledger® Live: Desktop — Getting Started

Welcome to the Ledger Live Desktop setup guide. This document will walk you step by step through installing, configuring, and using Ledger Live on your desktop computer with a Ledger hardware wallet. The goal is to help you manage your cryptocurrency assets securely and confidently.

Table of Contents

1. Why Ledger Live Desktop?
2. Prerequisites & Safety Checklist
3. Download & Install Ledger Live
4. Initial Setup: New Device or Restore
5. Connecting Ledger Live to Your Device
6. Adding and Managing Accounts
7. Receiving Crypto
8. Sending Crypto
9. Firmware Updates & App Management
10. Additional Features & Use Cases
11. Security Best Practices
12. Troubleshooting & FAQ
13. Wrap Up & Next Steps

1. Why Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is a non‑custodial application that interfaces with your Ledger hardware wallet. It gives you a unified way to manage, monitor, and transact your crypto assets—all while your private keys remain safely stored on your device.

• You retain full control over your private keys (they never leave your hardware device).
• You can manage multiple blockchains, staking, NFTs, swaps, and more from one interface. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
• Transactions are always signed on the hardware device, even if your computer is compromised. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Ledger Live is cross‑platform: works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

2. Prerequisites & Safety Checklist

Before you begin, make sure you have everything in order.

• A **genuine Ledger hardware wallet** (e.g. Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Stax) purchased from a trusted source. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• A desktop computer running a supported OS (Windows, macOS, or Linux). :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• A USB cable (data-capable) to connect your device. Avoid “charging-only” cables.
• A quiet, secure location to work without distractions.
• Pen and paper (or a metal backup) to record your recovery phrase. Never type this phrase on your computer. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

3. Download & Install Ledger Live

Use only the official Ledger site to download the software. Phishing sites often mimic Ledger’s branding.

1. Go to the official Ledger website and find the “Ledger Live” download page.
2. Select the version appropriate for your OS (Windows .exe, macOS .dmg, Linux AppImage / package). :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
3. On Linux, you might need to mark the file as executable (e.g. chmod +x Ledger‑Live‑*.AppImage). :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
4. Run the installer and follow the prompts to complete installation.
5. Open Ledger Live after installation.

4. Initial Setup: New Device or Restore

When you launch Ledger Live for the first time, you’ll see a “Get started” screen that guides you to either set up a new device or restore an existing one.

1. Click **Get Started**.
2. Select your Ledger model (Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.). :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
3. Choose one of the following:
• Set up a new device — to generate a fresh seed and PIN.
• Restore from recovery phrase — if you already have a 24‑word seed. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
4. Follow the on-device prompts:
• Choose a PIN (4 to 8 digits).
• Write down your 24‑word recovery phrase *in order* on the provided backup sheet.
• Confirm some of the words to verify accuracy.
5. Once setup or restoration is complete, click “Continue” in Ledger Live.

5. Connecting Ledger Live to Your Device

Now you link your Ledger hardware and let Ledger Live detect it.

1. Plug your Ledger device into the computer via USB and unlock it with your PIN.
2. If prompted, open the “Ledger Manager” app on the device.
3. On Ledger Live, allow permission to connect to your device.
4. Ledger Live may run a “genuine check” to validate the hardware. Confirm on the device. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
5. Once verified, Ledger Live is linked and ready to manage accounts. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

6. Adding and Managing Accounts

Ledger devices use small “apps” for each cryptocurrency. To manage a coin or token, you first install its app on your device, then add an account in Ledger Live.

1. Navigate to **Manager** in Ledger Live.
2. Install the cryptocurrency app (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum) on your Ledger device. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
3. Go to **Accounts → Add account**.
4. Select a currency, connect your device, open the corresponding app on-device, and let Ledger Live scan for existing addresses. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
5. Name your account if desired (e.g. “BTC — Long Term” ).
6. You can add multiple accounts even for the same currency. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

Note: Removing or reinstalling an app from the device does *not* erase your funds or accounts — they remain derived from your seed. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

7. Receiving Crypto

To receive funds, you request an address and verify it on-device.

1. In Ledger Live, go to the account you want to receive into, then click **Receive**.
2. Connect and unlock your device, then open the relevant app on the Ledger.
3. Ledger Live will show an address. **Always verify** that the same address is shown on your device screen before sharing it. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
4. Share the verified address or QR with the sender.

8. Sending Crypto

When sending funds, Ledger Live and your device collaborate to create and sign the transaction securely.

1. Select the account and click **Send**.
2. Enter recipient address, amount, and (if required) fee settings.
3. Click **Continue** — Ledger Live constructs an unsigned transaction.
4. On your Ledger device, review all details: destination, amount, fee.
5. If correct, confirm on-device to sign. Ledger Live then broadcasts the transaction. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
6. Monitor transaction status until confirmed.

9. Firmware Updates & App Management

Keeping firmware and apps up to date is essential for security and compatibility.

1. In Ledger Live, go to **Manager**. If firmware updates are available, you’ll see a prompt. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
2. Follow on-screen instructions. **Never** disconnect the device during updates. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
3. Install or remove blockchain apps as needed. Removing an app does not delete your accounts or funds. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}

Note: Firmware updates and app installations always require on-device confirmation. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

10. Additional Features & Use Cases

Beyond basic send/receive, Ledger Live Desktop supports many advanced features:

• Portfolio view: Track your net worth, asset breakdown, charts, and historical performance. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
• Staking / Earning: For supported chains, delegate / stake directly within Ledger Live. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
• Swap / Bridge: Use integrated services or partner providers to swap tokens or bridge between blockchains. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
• NFT Management: View, send, and receive supported NFTs. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}
• Third‑party integrations: Use WalletConnect, dApps, or external wallets while keeping signing on-device. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}
• Exporting & reporting: Export transaction history and logs for tax or reconciliation purposes. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}

11. Security Best Practices

Maintaining good security hygiene is critical.

• Always verify addresses and transaction data on the hardware device screen.
• Use the optional **application password** in Ledger Live to lock the app. :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}
• Store the 24‑word recovery phrase offline (metal backup is even better). Never store it in a photo or text file. :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}
• Enable automatic updates for Ledger Live and firmware when comfortable. :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}
• Use passphrase (as an extra “25th word”) only if you fully understand how it works — losing the passphrase can make funds inaccessible.
• Prefer trusted machines (your home / private computer) rather than public or shared ones.
• Regularly clear logs, cache, or any sensitive data stored in the app. :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}
• Be vigilant about phishing: double-check URLs, never click suspicious links, and never disclose your recovery phrase. :contentReference[oaicite:33]{index=33}

12. Troubleshooting & FAQ

Ledger Live doesn’t detect my device

Try a different USB cable or port (avoid hubs), unlock your device first, check OS permissions (especially on Linux, udev rules), and reboot if needed. :contentReference[oaicite:34]{index=34}

Firmware update failed or device froze

Do not disconnect during the update. Reconnect the device, restart Ledger Live, and retry. If the device becomes unresponsive, consult Ledger’s official recovery procedures. :contentReference[oaicite:35]{index=35}

Account balances not appearing

Try removing and re-adding the account (this simply re-derives it from your seed). Also ensure the device has the correct apps installed. :contentReference[oaicite:36]{index=36}

I forgot my PIN

Entering the wrong PIN three times will wipe the device. You must then restore using your 24‑word recovery phrase. :contentReference[oaicite:37]{index=37}

Can I use Ledger Live Desktop on multiple computers?

Yes — you can install Ledger Live on multiple trusted machines. Your true “keys” are derived from your hardware device (and recovery phrase), so accounts can be re-added. :contentReference[oaicite:38]{index=38}

Why is the Manager tab stuck “Loading…”?

This is a known issue some users face (e.g. Reddit reports). :contentReference[oaicite:39]{index=39} Clearing cache or reinstalling Ledger Live sometimes resolves it. Alternatively, use the mobile app until a fix is available.

13. Wrap Up & Next Steps

You’ve now set up Ledger Live Desktop and connected it to your Ledger device. You can safely add accounts, send and receive crypto, stake, manage NFTs, and more—all while keeping your private keys offline and secure.

Here are some suggested next steps:

• Familiarize yourself with the **Portfolio** tab and historical charts.
• Use **Manager** to explore and install additional blockchain apps.
• Try a small test transaction if you’re sending to a new address.
• Explore staking / earning on supported assets.
• Use the **Help / Support** section in Ledger Live when needed.

Stay safe, stay informed, and enjoy using your Ledger device with confidence.