Ledger® Live: Desktop — Getting Started

Ledger® Live: Desktop is your official gateway to securely manage, track, and grow your crypto assets. Designed for both beginners and advanced users, Ledger® Live: Desktop connects seamlessly with your Ledger hardware wallet, ensuring complete control over your private keys and transactions in one intuitive interface.

Step 1: Download Ledger® Live: Desktop

To begin, visit the official Ledger website and download the Ledger® Live: Desktop application compatible with your operating system — Windows, macOS, or Linux. Avoid third-party sites to ensure software authenticity.

Visit the official Ledger site.
Navigate to the Ledger Live download section.
Select the correct version for your OS.
Install and launch the application.

Download Ledger® Live

Step 2: Connect Your Ledger Device

Once Ledger® Live: Desktop is installed, connect your Ledger Nano X or Nano S device using the USB cable. Make sure the firmware is updated to the latest version for compatibility and security.

Open Ledger Live and select “Get Started.”
Connect your Ledger device via USB.
Follow on-screen instructions to pair your device.
Confirm your device setup directly on the hardware wallet.

Step 3: Create or Restore a Wallet

After connecting, you can either create a new wallet or restore an existing one using your recovery phrase. Ledger® Live: Desktop will guide you through the process to ensure secure setup.

New Users: Choose “Initialize as new device” and create a new recovery phrase.
Existing Users: Select “Restore from recovery phrase” and carefully input your 24-word backup.
Store your recovery phrase offline in a safe location.

Step 4: Install Apps & Add Accounts

Next, you’ll need to install the specific crypto apps for your assets. Ledger® Live: Desktop makes it easy to manage multiple cryptocurrencies all in one dashboard.

Go to the “Manager” section in Ledger Live.
Install apps like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Solana.
Add your accounts to monitor balances and history.
Sync your portfolio automatically.

Add Crypto Accounts

Step 5: Secure Your Setup

Security is the core of Ledger® Live: Desktop. Keep your device firmware and Ledger Live updated to benefit from the latest security patches and features.

Enable password lock on your Ledger Live app.
Use genuine Ledger devices only.
Never share your 24-word recovery phrase with anyone.
Verify each transaction directly on your device screen.

Step 6: Explore Advanced Features

Beyond basic management, Ledger® Live: Desktop supports staking, swapping, and portfolio analytics. You can even connect to DeFi apps safely via Ledger integration for an all-in-one crypto experience.

Stake supported coins and earn rewards securely.
Buy or swap crypto using trusted Ledger partners.
Monitor asset performance in real-time.
Use “Discover” to access third-party dApps safely.

Explore Features

Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. Always download Ledger® Live: Desktop from the official Ledger website. Ledger does not store your private keys or recovery phrase. You are solely responsible for the safety of your device and credentials. Never share your recovery phrase with anyone — not even Ledger Support.