Ledger® Live Desktop® — Getting Started

Overview

Ledger® Live Desktop® is the desktop client that pairs with Ledger hardware wallets to provide a secure, local interface for managing cryptocurrencies. It supports account management, transaction signing (performed on-device), firmware and app management, staking where supported, and integrations with third-party services such as swap and buy providers. This guide focuses specifically on the desktop experience — Windows, macOS, and Linux — and explains recommended workflows, security best practices, and common troubleshooting steps.

Important: Your recovery phrase (typically 24 words) is the ultimate backup of your crypto funds. Ledger devices are designed so this phrase is created and used only on the device itself. Never type your recovery phrase into a computer or mobile device, and never share it with anyone.

What this guide covers

1. Requirements & safety checklist — 2. Download & install Ledger Live Desktop® — 3. Desktop-specific setup and permissions — 4. Initial device setup (new or restore) — 5. Adding and managing accounts — 6. Receiving & sending crypto (desktop flow) — 7. Firmware & app management — 8. Extra desktop features (exporting logs, advanced settings) — 9. Security best practices — 10. Troubleshooting & FAQ.

Before you start — requirements & quick checklist

• Hardware: A Ledger device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or similar compatible model).
• Desktop: A machine running a supported version of Windows (10/11), macOS (recent), or a modern Linux distribution.
• Connectivity: USB cable (approved & genuine), and for Nano X Bluetooth is available but desktop pairing typically uses USB for management tasks.
• Ledger Live Desktop® app: Download the installer from the official Ledger website only.
• Safe space for recovery phrase: A quiet, private space to write down the recovery phrase on the recovery sheet provided with your device.

Security tip: Avoid any download source other than the official Ledger site. Phishing websites mimic Ledger branding to trick users into installing malicious software — always verify the URL in your browser address bar and prefer manual typing of the address.

Step 1 — Download & install Ledger Live Desktop®

1. Open your desktop browser and navigate manually to the official Ledger website. Type the address yourself — do not click links from untrusted emails or messages.
2. From the Ledger site, choose the Ledger Live downloads page and select the desktop installer for your operating system.
3. Download the installer file. On Windows you'll typically get an .exe, macOS a .dmg, and Linux either an AppImage or package file according to distribution.
4. Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts. Grant the installer the necessary permissions to add the app to your system. On macOS you may need to allow the installer in Security & Privacy if Gatekeeper blocks it initially.
5. After installation, open Ledger Live Desktop®. The first-run experience will walk you through basic preferences and an optional automated update setting.

If your operating system shows a warning about the app being from the internet, confirm that you downloaded it from Ledger's official site and proceed. If you’re uncertain, abort the install and verify the download source.

Step 2 — Desktop-specific setup and permissions

Ledger Live Desktop needs permission to communicate with a USB device. Depending on your OS, you may need to grant additional permissions or install a small helper service.

Windows

• Run Ledger Live as a normal application. If prompted by Windows Defender or SmartScreen, confirm the publisher and allow the app.
• When connecting the device, unlock the Ledger and allow the connection on-device if the app requests Allow Ledger Manager.

macOS

• macOS may prompt for permission to access removable devices — allow Ledger Live to interact with the USB device.
• If using macOS Catalina or newer, you may need to allow the app network access for update checks. This is optional but recommended for automatic updates.

Linux

• On many distributions you'll need to install a udev rule to allow non-root access to the USB Ledger device. Ledger's download page usually includes instructions and a script to add the rule.
• If you run into permission errors, try connecting the device as root to confirm it works, then add the udev rule for regular users.

If Ledger Live cannot detect the device, try a different USB cable/port, avoid USB hubs, and ensure the device is unlocked before connecting.

Step 3 — Initial device setup (new device or restore)

You can either create a new wallet on the Ledger device or restore an existing wallet from a recovery phrase. The device prompts guide this process; Ledger Live primarily handles the desktop-side connection and verification.

Creating a new device

1. Power on the Ledger device and choose Create a new device.
2. Pick a secure PIN using the device's buttons (not your computer keyboard).
3. Write down each recovery word shown by the device in order on the supplied recovery sheet. Store this sheet offline in a secure location.

Restoring from a recovery phrase

1. Choose Restore from recovery phrase on the device, then enter the exact words when prompted by the device itself.
2. After restoration completes, Ledger Live will be able to scan and show accounts derived from the restored seed.

Never enter your recovery phrase into your desktop, phone, or any website. Only enter it on the Ledger device. If any app or support agent asks for your recovery phrase, it is a scam.

Step 4 — Connect Ledger Live Desktop® to your device

1. Open Ledger Live Desktop and go through the welcome screens until you reach the device connection step.
2. Connect your Ledger device with the USB cable and unlock it by entering your PIN on the device.
3. On the device, open the Ledger Manager if prompted and confirm the connection.
4. Ledger Live may ask you to install or open specific cryptocurrency apps on the physical device (for example, the Bitcoin app). Use the device buttons to open the app.

You must open the corresponding app on the Ledger device before Ledger Live can enumerate or add accounts for that cryptocurrency.

Step 5 — Add and manage accounts (desktop flow)

Accounts in Ledger Live map to on-device-derived wallets. Adding accounts enables Ledger Live to display balances, history, and allow sending/receiving from your hardware-secured keys.

1. In Ledger Live Desktop click Accounts → Add account.
2. Select the currency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) and follow the on-screen flow. Ledger Live will ask you to connect and unlock the device and to open the relevant app on-device.
3. Ledger Live scans the blockchain for addresses associated with your device and populates accounts. Name accounts for clarity (e.g., “BTC — Cold Storage”).
4. Repeat for multiple currencies and multiple accounts per currency if desired.

You can add multiple accounts for the same asset type (useful for separation of funds). Ledger Live will show all accounts derived from your device's seed according to the supported derivation paths.

Step 6 — Receive crypto (desktop)

1. Open Ledger Live Desktop and select the account you want to receive into.
2. Click Receive and follow prompts. Ledger Live will request you open the corresponding app on your Ledger device.
3. Ledger Live displays an address. Always verify that the exact same address is shown on your Ledger device screen before sharing it.
4. Share the verified address or present the QR code to the sender.

Never copy-paste an address without verifying it on the device screen. Malware on a computer can alter clipboard contents to redirect funds.

Step 7 — Send crypto (desktop)

1. Select the account and click Send.
2. Enter the recipient address and amount; optionally set advanced fee parameters if available.
3. Click Continue. Ledger Live prepares the transaction but will require you to confirm and sign on the Ledger device.
4. On your device, review transaction details shown on-device — recipient address, amount, and fee — then physically confirm to sign.
5. Ledger Live broadcasts the signed transaction and displays status until the network confirms it.

If you're sending to a new or unfamiliar address, consider sending a small test amount first to confirm the destination.

Step 8 — Firmware updates & app management

Keep your Ledger device firmware up to date to receive security and stability improvements. Ledger Live Desktop includes a Manager to update firmware and install/remove currency apps (apps used by the device to manage specific blockchains).

1. Open Ledger Live Desktop and go to Manager.
2. If a firmware update is available you’ll see a prompt — follow the on-screen instructions. You will always confirm updates on-device; Ledger Live never asks you to reveal your recovery phrase.
3. Use the Manager to install or uninstall blockchain apps. Installing an app on-device does not change your seed or recovery phrase.

Uninstalling an app from the device frees space but does not delete the accounts or keys — accounts can be re-added later after re-installing the app.

Step 9 — Desktop-only features & advanced settings

Advanced users can enable developer options or configure custom RPC endpoints for certain blockchains — proceed carefully and keep security implications in mind.

Security best practices (desktop-focused)

• Recovery phrase: Store it offline, in a secure physical location. Consider using indestructible metal backups for long-term storage.
• Device PIN: Choose a PIN you can remember but that isn’t easily guessed. Never store the PIN with your recovery phrase.
• Address verification: Always verify addresses on the Ledger device screen before sending or receiving funds.
• Trusted machine: Use Ledger Live Desktop on a machine you control and trust. Avoid public or shared computers for day-to-day management.
• Software hygiene: Keep your OS and antivirus up to date, and avoid installing untrusted browser extensions that can modify clipboard contents.
• Phishing awareness: Ledger staff will never ask for your recovery phrase. Be cautious of emails or web pages that impersonate Ledger.

Troubleshooting & FAQ

Q: Ledger Live doesn't detect my device.

A: Try a different USB cable or port, ensure the device is unlocked, and avoid USB hubs. On Linux check udev rules; on macOS confirm permissions in System Settings. Rebooting the machine can also help.

Q: Firmware update failed midway.

A: Do not disconnect the device during firmware updates. If an update fails, reconnect the device, restart Ledger Live Desktop, and retry. If the device becomes unresponsive, consult official Ledger support documentation for recovery steps.

Q: Can I use Ledger Live Desktop on multiple computers?

A: Yes. Ledger Live Desktop can be installed on multiple trusted machines. Your accounts are derived from the Ledger device seed — the device itself is the source of truth.

Q: I forgot my device PIN.

A: After three incorrect PIN attempts the device will wipe and you'll need to restore from your recovery phrase. This is why safe backup of the recovery phrase is critical.

Quick fixes

• If transactions are stuck, check network explorer for status or adjust fees if supported.
• If account balances don't appear, try re-syncing or removing and re-adding the account (accounts are not lost — they are re-derived from the device).

Final desktop checklist

• Ledger Live Desktop installed from the official site
• Device set up and recovery phrase written and safely stored
• At least one account added and a small test transaction completed
• Firmware and installed apps up to date
• Desktop permissions configured and trusted machine used
• Address verification and other security steps practiced

Following this checklist ensures a secure, repeatable desktop workflow for managing crypto with Ledger Live Desktop®. If you need advanced configurations (enterprise or multi-user setups), consult Ledger's official documentation or enterprise guidance.