Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting® started - Ledger Support

Introduction to Ledger Live Desktop

Ledger Live is the desktop companion app for Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a secure interface to manage crypto assets, install and update device apps, stake supported tokens, track portfolio performance, and connect to compatible dApps — all while ensuring that private keys remain sealed inside your Ledger device.

This guide is tailored to desktop users (Windows, macOS, Linux) and covers practical steps to get started and maintain a secure setup.

System requirements & compatibility

• Supported OS: Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.14 or later, mainstream Linux distributions (AppImage supported).
• Hardware: USB port (or Bluetooth for Ledger Nano X when using mobile companion), recommended modern CPU and at least 4GB RAM for smooth operation.
• Software: Latest OS security updates installed; a modern browser for certain web integrations.

Download and verify Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website. Verifying your download helps protect against tampered installers:

1. Visit the official Ledger site and choose the desktop download for your OS.
2. If an SHA256 checksum or signature is provided, verify the download on your system using the provided hash to ensure file integrity.
3. Install Ledger Live following platform-specific instructions (Windows: run installer; macOS: drag to Applications; Linux: mark AppImage executable and run).

First launch & basic configuration

When you open Ledger Live for the first time, you’ll be guided through a straightforward setup flow:

1. Accept the terms and choose whether to enable optional analytics/telemetry (you can opt out later in settings).
2. Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the supplied USB cable and unlock it with your PIN.
3. Follow on-screen prompts to create a new device or restore an existing wallet. Ledger Live will never ask you for your recovery phrase — generate and confirm the seed only on the device itself.
4. Install device firmware if Ledger Live prompts you. Firmware updates are digitally signed and verified by the device before installation.

After initial configuration, you’ll arrive at the Ledger Live dashboard showing portfolio, accounts, and notifications.

Installing and managing device apps

Ledger devices use per-coin apps to support blockchains. Use the Manager tab in Ledger Live to install or remove apps:

• Open Manager and connect your device unlocked with the correct PIN.
• Install only the apps you need — device storage is limited on some models.
• Apps can be removed and reinstalled without losing access to funds; your accounts are derived from your seed.

Adding and organizing accounts

After installing apps, add accounts in Ledger Live to manage balances and create transactions:

1. Click Add Account, select the coin, and follow the prompts to scan your device addresses.
2. Label accounts for easier identification (e.g., Savings, Trading, Staking).
3. Create multiple accounts per coin if you want separate address pools or custodial strategies.

Ledger Live periodically synchronizes with network nodes to update balances and transaction history.

Sending and receiving funds safely

Security best practices during transactions:

• To receive, use the Receive button to generate an address; always verify the address on your Ledger device screen before sharing it.
• To send, construct the transaction in Ledger Live and check fees and destinations carefully. Confirm the transaction details on your Ledger device; the device’s screen is the authoritative source for what you are signing.
• Avoid copy-paste of addresses when possible; if you copy an address, confirm it matches what’s displayed on-device to detect host-side manipulation.

Staking, swapping, and dApp connections

Ledger Live supports additional features like staking for certain tokens, in-app swaps via integrated providers, and secure connections to third-party dApps. When using these features:

• Review the provider and its fees before swapping or staking.
• For dApp interactions, ensure the interface requests only expected permissions and always verify and approve contract calls on-device.

Advanced settings & privacy

Ledger Live offers settings to control telemetry, network endpoints, and security preferences. For maximum privacy, consider:

• Opting out of analytics and telemetry.
• Using your own node or trusted RPC endpoints when possible.
• Minimizing address reuse and enabling passphrase-protected hidden accounts if you require extra separation.

Troubleshooting common desktop issues

• Firmware update failed: Reconnect the device and use Ledger Live’s recovery procedures; contact Ledger Support if issues persist.
• App installation errors: Free up space on the device by removing unused apps and retry.

Security checklist & best practices

• Never share your recovery phrase; Ledger Support will never ask for it.
• Store recovery phrases offline and consider a metal backup for durability.
• Keep Ledger Live and device firmware updated via official sources only.
• Verify transaction details on the device display every time.
• Consider multisig or institutional custody solutions for large holdings.

Getting help and contacting support

If you encounter problems you can’t solve, visit the official Ledger Support center for guides, FAQs, and contact options. When reaching out, do not share your recovery phrase or private keys — provide only non-sensitive diagnostic details.

Conclusion

Ledger Live Desktop provides a secure, feature-rich environment to manage your crypto while keeping your keys protected by Ledger hardware. By following the guidance in this document — from verified downloads to on-device confirmations and secure backup practices — you reduce risk and take confident custody of your digital assets.