A practical, beginner-friendly walkthrough for installing, configuring, and using Ledger Live Desktop to securely manage cryptocurrencies with your Ledger hardware wallet.
Quick security reminder: Ledger Live is a companion app for Ledger hardware wallets. Your private keys never leave the device—always verify addresses and transaction details on your Ledger device before approving. Never share your recovery phrase.
What is Ledger Live (desktop)?
Ledger Live is the official desktop application from Ledger that centralizes device management, account setup, portfolio tracking, and transaction signing. It talks to your Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.) to compose unsigned transactions on your computer and requires the device to sign them, keeping private keys isolated. Ledger Live supports managing accounts, installing coin apps on the device, staking, swaps, buying crypto through partners, firmware updates, and portfolio analytics in a single interface.
Why use Ledger Live desktop?
Full feature set: Desktop offers the most complete and stable experience for app management and firmware updates.
Performance: Desktop apps are faster and handle larger datasets (transaction histories) more smoothly than web versions.
Security: Transactions are always approved on-device; Ledger Live merely facilitates unsigned transactions.
Convenience: Portfolio tracking, staking, and integrated services are accessible from one place.
Before you begin
Purchase a Ledger device only from Ledger’s official store or authorized resellers to avoid tampered hardware.
Use a desktop or laptop with Windows, macOS, or Linux and a working USB port (or Bluetooth for Nano X when supported).
Keep your 24-word recovery phrase written down offline and stored securely—never type it into Ledger Live or a website.
Have a reliable internet connection to download the app and updates.
Download & install Ledger Live
Go to Ledger’s official site and navigate to the downloads page. Make sure the URL is correct and uses HTTPS.
Choose the Desktop version for your operating system and download the installer.
Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions. Grant any needed permissions for the app to access USB devices.
Launch Ledger Live and follow the initial onboarding flow to connect your Ledger device for the first time.
Tip: Keep the app updated — Ledger Live will notify you when a new version is available.
Initial device setup
Connect and choose setup
Use the provided USB cable to connect your Ledger device. Ledger Live will detect it and present options: set up as a new device, restore from recovery phrase, or use an existing device. If you’re new, follow the on-screen flow to generate a recovery phrase and set a PIN on the device. Always confirm prompts on the device itself.
Firmware updates
Ledger Live may prompt you to update the firmware. Firmware is essential for security and device stability. Approve the update on-device and do not unplug until the process completes. If an update fails, follow official Ledger recovery instructions rather than third-party guides.
Manager — installing coin apps
Ledger devices run dedicated apps for different cryptocurrencies. Open the Manager tab in Ledger Live to install the apps you need (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.). Device storage limits the number of apps installed at once; uninstalling an app does not delete your funds—accounts are deterministically derived from your recovery phrase and can be reimported after reinstalling an app.
Adding accounts
Go to the Accounts tab and click Add account.
Choose the cryptocurrency you want to add while your Ledger device is connected.
Ledger Live will scan and display the account balance and transaction history.
You can create multiple accounts of the same type to separate funds (e.g., savings vs trading) or for privacy.
Receiving crypto
Select the target account and click Receive.
Ledger Live will display a receiving address and the device will show the same address on its screen.
Verify the address on the device before sharing it. Only use addresses confirmed on-device.
For privacy, use a new address for each incoming payment when practical. Always double-check amounts and address strings before sending large transfers.
Sending crypto
Click Send in the chosen account and enter recipient address and amount.
Choose a fee level if available (slow/standard/fast) and review the total cost.
Ledger Live assembles the unsigned transaction; your Ledger device will display transaction details for final approval. Verify recipient, amount, and fees on-device and confirm to sign.
Because signing happens on the hardware, malware on the computer cannot silently alter the destination or amount without your on-device awareness.
Staking, Swap, and Buy features
Ledger Live integrates third-party services for staking supported PoS tokens, swapping assets, and buying crypto via partner providers. These features may incur fees and use external providers — read terms carefully. Staked assets might be locked for a period; ensure you understand the lockup and unbonding rules when staking.
Firmware updates & device health
Ledger Live will notify you when firmware updates are available. Always apply firmware updates through Ledger Live and confirm actions on the device. If an update fails or the device behaves oddly, consult Ledger’s official troubleshooting docs. Do not follow unverified instructions from forums for critical recovery steps.
Security best practices
Recovery phrase safety: Write your recovery phrase on the provided card or a durable metal backup. Keep it offline and in a secure location (safe, safe-deposit box).
Verify on-device: Always confirm addresses and transaction details on your Ledger screen before approving.
Official downloads: Download Ledger Live only from Ledger’s official website.
Beware phishing: Never enter your recovery phrase anywhere; Ledger support will never ask for it.
PIN & passphrase: Use a PIN to lock your device and consider an optional passphrase for additional layers (understand risks before enabling).
Keep software up to date: Update Ledger Live, your OS, and antivirus definitions regularly.
Troubleshooting common issues
Device not detected
Try another USB cable or port, avoid hubs, and ensure Ledger Live is up to date. On Windows, allow drivers if prompted. Restart Ledger Live and your computer if necessary.
App won’t install
Free up device app storage by uninstalling unused apps, then retry installation via Manager. Reinstalling apps does not remove the associated accounts or funds.
Forgot PIN
After multiple incorrect PIN attempts the device wipes itself. Restore with your recovery phrase on the device or a new Ledger.
Seed compromised
If your recovery phrase is exposed, immediately create a new wallet with a fresh seed and transfer funds. Treat any exposure as an emergency.
Advanced usage
Use with third-party wallets: Connect Ledger to MetaMask, Electrum, or other wallets to use advanced dApp features while keeping keys on the device.
Multisig setups: Ledger devices can serve as signers in multisig configurations for enterprise or high-value accounts.
Coin control & privacy: Use separate accounts and UTXO selection to manage privacy and on-chain footprint.