Welcome to Ledger Live Desktop

A friendly, secure app to manage your hardware wallet and cryptocurrencies locally on your computer.

What this guide covers

This guide walks you through installing Ledger Live Desktop, connecting a Ledger hardware device, creating or restoring your portfolio, installing apps, and managing assets. It is written for beginners but contains practical security advice for all users.

Get started — Install

1. Download

Get the official Ledger Live Desktop installer from the Ledger website. Choose the correct OS package for Windows, macOS, or Linux. Avoid third-party downloads.

2. Connect

Plug in your Ledger device (Nano S / Nano X) using the supplied cable and unlock it with your PIN. Ledger Live will detect the device when connected.

3. Setup

Create a new wallet or restore using your 24-word recovery phrase. If you’re creating a new wallet, write your recovery phrase down on the provided card, and store it offline.

4. Manage

Install apps for the assets you want to hold, add accounts in Ledger Live, and begin sending and receiving cryptocurrencies securely.

Why hardware + Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is the desktop companion to your Ledger device. Private keys stay on the device; Ledger Live helps you sign transactions locally and presents an easy interface for portfolio tracking.

Offline keys Transaction verification Portfolio overview

Pro tip

Always check the transaction details on your Ledger device screen before approving. The device is the single source of truth for transaction data.

Step-by-step: Installing Ledger Live Desktop

  1. Download the official installer for your platform from the Ledger website.
  2. Run the installer and follow on-screen prompts (allow permissions if requested).
  3. Open Ledger Live and connect your Ledger device using a USB cable or Bluetooth (Nano X).
  4. Create or restore a wallet. If creating, note your recovery phrase and keep it safe and offline.
  5. Install apps for the coins you want to manage (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) using the Manager tab in Ledger Live.
  6. Add accounts and sync them. Your balances will appear after synchronization completes.

That’s it — your Ledger Live Desktop is ready!

Security checklist

  • Always download Ledger Live from the official domain and check the installer signature when possible.
  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase with anyone — Ledger Support will never ask for it.
  • Keep your computer’s OS and antivirus up to date.
  • Use a strong PIN on your Ledger device; change it if you suspect compromise.
  • Consider using a passphrase (optional feature) for an extra layer of security, but make sure you understand recovery implications.

FAQ

Can I recover my wallet on another Ledger device?

Yes — enter the 24-word recovery phrase on the new Ledger device during initialization to restore your accounts.

What if I lost my recovery phrase?

If you lose your recovery phrase and your device is lost or destroyed, you will not be able to recover your funds. Store your recovery phrase safely and consider multiple secure backups.

How do I update Ledger Live?

Ledger Live will periodically notify you of updates. You can also check the Help & Support section for the latest version and changelog.

Open Ledger Live
Start small: send a test transaction with a tiny amount first to verify setup.