Intro: What is Ledger® Live (Desktop)?

Ledger® Live is the official desktop application developed by Ledger to let you safely manage cryptocurrencies when paired with a Ledger hardware wallet (e.g. Ledger Nano S, Nano X, etc.). It serves as a local interface to view balances, send and receive coins and tokens, manage apps on the device, and access advanced features like staking or swap (where supported).

This guide focuses on the desktop experience: how to download the correct installer, set Ledger® Live up for the first time, pair it with your hardware device, and follow security best practices to keep your funds safe. It’s written for beginners but includes intermediate tips you’ll appreciate as you become more confident.

Prerequisites — before you begin

Make sure you have the following ready:

• A compatible Ledger hardware wallet (for desktop the device is required to access private keys).
• A computer running Windows 10/11, macOS (latest), or a recent Linux distribution.
• A USB-C or USB-A cable that fits your Ledger device (original cables are recommended).
• Access to a secure, private place to write down and store your recovery phrase (24 words) — ideally offline.
• Administrative rights on your computer to install software.

Step 1 — Download & Install Ledger® Live (Desktop)

Always download Ledger® Live from the official Ledger website. Avoid downloading from third-party sites or links in unsolicited messages.

1. Open your browser and go to the official Ledger site (type the address manually or use a saved bookmark).
2. Navigate to the Ledger® Live section and select the correct desktop installer for your operating system.
3. Download the installer file. For macOS this will be a .dmg, for Windows an .exe, and for Linux typically an .AppImage or package.
4. Verify the download if you can — Ledger publishes checksums that you can compare to the installer to ensure integrity.
5. Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions. Accept native system prompts to grant permissions only if you trust the installer.

Tip: On macOS you may need to allow apps from identified developers in System Preferences > Security & Privacy the first time you install third-party software.

Step 2 — Initial Setup & Pairing with Your Ledger Device

Once Ledger® Live is installed, perform the initial app launch and device pairing.

1. Open Ledger® Live on your desktop.
2. Select Get started. Choose whether you’re creating a new device or restoring an existing one:
• Set up as new — if your Ledger device is brand new and you will create a new PIN and recovery phrase.
• Restore device — if you already have a recovery phrase and wish to restore it onto a device.
3. Connect your Ledger device via USB. Enter the PIN directly on the device when prompted. The desktop app never sees the PIN.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to add accounts: choose the cryptocurrencies you want to manage, then add each account. Ledger® Live will synchronize the addresses associated with your device and show balances.

Note: Adding an account in Ledger® Live does not create new private keys — it only registers that account in the app and displays the on-chain balances tied to your hardware wallet's keys.

Step 3 — Sending & Receiving (Basic transactions)

Now that your accounts are visible, you can receive and send funds. Always confirm addresses on the device screen before sending.

1. Receive: Click Receive in Ledger® Live, choose an account, and display the address. Always verify this address on the physical device screen before sharing it to ensure no malicious software altered it.
2. Send: Click Send, enter the recipient address, amount, and transaction fee settings. Ledger® Live will build the transaction locally, then ask you to confirm details on your Ledger device. Approve on the device to broadcast.

Security reminder: Your Ledger device is the final authority. When the device screen shows the destination address and amount, visually compare and approve only if everything matches your intention.

What else can you do with Ledger® Live (Desktop)?

Ledger® Live includes more than send/receive. Here are core features you may find useful:

These tools let you control how your crypto behaves while keeping the private keys secure inside the hardware wallet.

Security Best Practices — keep your crypto safe

Security should be your top priority. Follow these hard rules:

• Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger staff or any legitimate support will never ask for it.
• Store your recovery phrase offline. Use a dedicated metal backup, fireproof box, or a sealed envelope in a safe — avoid cloud storage and photos.
• Keep firmware and Ledger® Live updated. Updates patch vulnerabilities and add improvements; only update from official sources.
• Verify addresses on the device screen. Always confirm sending addresses match exactly on the Ledger device display.
• Use a strong computer hygiene routine. Keep your OS updated, use antivirus where appropriate, and avoid clicking suspicious links that could be phishing attempts.

If you suspect your recovery phrase or seed is compromised, move your funds immediately to a new fresh wallet generated on a new device and create a new recovery phrase.

Troubleshooting & common issues

Here are problems you may encounter and ways to resolve them:

• Device not recognized: Try a different USB cable or port. Ensure the device is unlocked with PIN before trying to connect.
• Ledger® Live won’t open: Restart your computer and check for updates. Reinstall Ledger® Live if problems persist.
• Account balance not updating: Click the sync/refresh button in Ledger® Live or re-add the account.
• Failed transaction: Check network fees and mempool congestion. For complex issues, consult the transaction hash on a block explorer.

If you need official help, always contact Ledger support via their website—do not trust support contact details sent in unsolicited messages.

Advanced tips & power user features

When you're comfortable, explore these advanced workflows:

• Use multiple accounts for separation of funds (e.g. savings vs. trading wallets).
• Enable transaction customization for manual fee control (when supported by the asset).
• Manage apps on the Ledger device to keep only the apps you need — this saves space and minimizes attack surface.
• Use a dedicated, hardened computer for large-scale storage and transactions when handling significant holdings.

FAQ — Quick answers

Can I use Ledger® Live without a Ledger device?

No. The desktop app requires a Ledger hardware wallet to sign transactions. The device stores your private keys and performs signing offline.

Is Ledger® Live free?

Yes, Ledger® Live is free to download and use. Blockchain transaction fees and third-party service fees (buy/swap) still apply.

What if I lose my Ledger device?

Use your 24-word recovery phrase to restore your funds on a new Ledger device or another compatible wallet. Safeguard your recovery phrase carefully.

Does Ledger® Live store my private keys in the cloud?

No. Private keys remain on your Ledger device at all times. Ledger® Live acts as an interface to those keys.

Glossary — short definitions

• Private key: A secret number that proves ownership of cryptocurrency — stored on your Ledger device.
• Recovery phrase (seed): The human-readable 24 words that can restore your wallet.
• Firmware: Software that runs on the Ledger device. Keep it updated from official sources only.
• Address: A receiving identifier on a blockchain (public information).

Wrapping up

Ledger® Live Desktop combined with a Ledger hardware wallet gives you a powerful, secure way to manage your cryptocurrencies. The app keeps the user experience friendly while ensuring private keys never leave your device. Follow the download, setup, and security steps above and you’ll be well on your way to using Ledger® Live confidently and safely.

Next steps: download Ledger® Live from the official site, set up your device carefully, and practice small test transactions until you’re comfortable.