Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started Guide
Welcome to the official Ledger® Live desktop app — your secure gateway to managing, tracking, and growing your cryptocurrency portfolio with confidence. This guide will walk you through downloading, setting up, and making the most out of your Ledger Live experience.
What Is Ledger® Live Desktop?
Ledger® Live Desktop is a robust, secure application designed for managing cryptocurrency assets directly from your computer. It connects seamlessly with your Ledger hardware wallet, ensuring your private keys never leave your device.
Ledger Live Desktop supports over 1800 cryptocurrencies, offers portfolio tracking, secure sending and receiving, staking options, and integrates with decentralized applications — all within a sleek, user-friendly interface.
How to Download and Install Ledger® Live Desktop
To start your journey, follow these simple steps to safely download and install the Ledger Live Desktop app:
- Go to the official Ledger website or trusted app stores for your operating system.
- Select the Ledger Live Desktop version compatible with Windows, macOS, or Linux.
- Download the installer file and verify its integrity via checksum (optional but recommended).
- Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts to complete installation.
- Launch Ledger Live Desktop and prepare for setup.
Setting Up Your Ledger® Live Desktop App
Once installed, here’s how to get started with Ledger Live Desktop:
- Connect your Ledger hardware wallet to your computer using the official USB cable.
- Open Ledger Live Desktop and select “Initialize as new device” if you are new or “Restore device” if you already have a recovery phrase.
- Create a secure PIN on your hardware wallet to protect access.
- Carefully write down your 24-word recovery phrase and keep it offline and secure — this is your ultimate backup.
- Use Ledger Live to install apps for your preferred cryptocurrencies on your device.
- Start exploring your portfolio, sending and receiving crypto, and staking assets.
Security Best Practices for Ledger® Live Desktop
Ledger takes security seriously. Follow these recommendations to keep your crypto safe:
- Never share your 24-word recovery phrase online or with anyone.
- Always verify transaction details on your Ledger device screen before confirming.
- Keep your Ledger Live Desktop software and firmware updated to benefit from latest security patches.
- Download Ledger Live only from official and trusted sources to avoid phishing.
- Store your hardware wallet and recovery phrase separately to prevent theft or loss.
- Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts related to crypto exchanges or services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Ledger Live Desktop without a Ledger hardware wallet?
No. Ledger Live Desktop is designed to work in tandem with a Ledger hardware wallet. It ensures your private keys remain secure offline.
Is Ledger Live Desktop free to download and use?
Yes, the Ledger Live Desktop app is completely free. There are no fees for managing your cryptocurrency portfolio through the app.
Which cryptocurrencies can I manage with Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live supports over 1800 cryptocurrencies and tokens including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, XRP, and many more.
What happens if I lose my recovery phrase?
If you lose your recovery phrase, you risk losing access to your funds permanently. Always keep your recovery phrase offline, secure, and backed up in multiple locations.
How often should I update Ledger Live Desktop?
Regular updates are important. Ledger frequently releases software updates that improve security and add new features. We recommend enabling automatic updates if available.