Ledger® Live Desktop® | Secure Crypto® Management

A complete guide to using Ledger Live Desktop for managing cryptocurrency securely. This document covers installation, device setup, account administration, transactions, advanced features like staking and passphrases, and essential security and troubleshooting steps for a safe crypto experience.

Why Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application from Ledger designed to provide a secure, user-friendly interface for managing cryptocurrency when paired with Ledger hardware wallets (such as Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X). Its core value is maintaining private keys isolated in a secure element on the hardware device while enabling the user to view balances, create and sign transactions, install blockchain apps, and perform firmware updates. In short: Ledger Live Desktop is the bridge between you and the immutable blockchain — with security controls enforced by the hardware device.

Private keys never leave the Ledger device. Ledger Live Desktop constructs unsigned transactions and forwards them to the device for signing. This separation reduces exposure to malware and ensures cryptographic operations occur in a trusted environment.

Supported platforms & system requirements

  • Windows: 64-bit Windows 10 or higher. Keep the OS updated.
  • macOS: Recent stable macOS releases (check Ledger for exact compatibility).
  • Linux: Popular distributions including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora; confirm specifics on Ledger docs.
  • Hardware: Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.) and a data-capable USB cable.

Download source

Always download Ledger Live Desktop from the official source: ledger.com/start. Mobile app downloads should come from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Avoid third-party sites and links in unsolicited messages.

Download and verify

  1. Visit Ledger.com/start and choose the desktop installer for your platform.
  2. Download the installer and, if you are comfortable with signature verification, check any provided cryptographic signatures to ensure the installer is authentic.
  3. Run the installer and follow the platform-specific prompts.

Signature verification is recommended for advanced users who want an extra level of assurance, but the primary defense is to download only from Ledger’s official domain.

First launch & setup flow

On first launch Ledger Live Desktop will guide you through a setup sequence: choosing your device model, setting up as new or restoring an existing device, and optionally creating an application password for local data protection.

  1. Open Ledger Live Desktop and click Get started.
  2. Select your device model (Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.).
  3. Choose to set up a new device or restore one using a recovery phrase.
  4. Create a Ledger Live application password (optional). This password encrypts local metadata and settings — it is distinct from your device PIN.

Initialize or restore your Ledger device

Device initialization occurs on the hardware itself. You’ll set a PIN and be shown a 24-word recovery phrase. Record this phrase offline and securely.

  1. Power on the device and choose Set up as new device.
  2. Create a PIN using the device buttons. Avoid easy-to-guess numbers.
  3. Write down the 24-word recovery phrase in order — use the Ledger recovery card or a secure metal backup. Do not photograph or store the phrase digitally.
  4. Confirm the words on the device to complete initialization.

The recovery phrase is the master key for your funds. Anyone with access to it can control your funds. Store it offline and in multiple secure physical locations if needed.

Connecting Ledger to the desktop app

  1. Connect your Ledger device to the computer with a data-capable USB cable.
  2. Unlock the device by entering your PIN on the hardware (not on your computer).
  3. Grant Manager access in Ledger Live when prompted if you need to install or update apps.

If the device is not detected, try another cable or port. Some USB cables are power-only and do not transmit data.

Manager: install & update apps

The Manager in Ledger Live Desktop installs small blockchain-specific apps on your Ledger device. Install only the networks you use, as each app consumes device storage.

  1. Open Manager and connect your unlocked device.
  2. Find and install the apps for your desired cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.).
  3. To free space, uninstall apps you do not need; this does not remove funds from the network.

Firmware updates

Ledger periodically releases firmware updates that improve security and add features. Ledger Live Desktop will prompt you for firmware updates when necessary — always apply updates through Ledger Live to ensure authenticity.

Adding and managing accounts

After installing an app, add accounts in Ledger Live Desktop so the software can display balances and transaction history derived from your device's seed.

  1. Click Accounts → Add account.
  2. Select the currency and follow the prompts to open the corresponding app on your device so Ledger Live can synchronize addresses.
  3. Label accounts for clarity. You may add multiple accounts for the same currency.

Removing an account in Ledger Live does not delete your funds on the blockchain — accounts can be re-added by reconnecting your device.

Receiving crypto

  1. Select an account and click Receive.
  2. Ledger Live Desktop will display an address; verify that address on your Ledger device screen and approve it to ensure it matches.
  3. Use the verified address when sending from an exchange or another wallet, starting with a small test transfer.

Sending crypto

  1. Click Send, enter recipient and amount, and choose network fees.
  2. Review transaction details in Ledger Live Desktop. The device will display the transaction for final verification.
  3. Confirm on-device to sign and broadcast the transaction. Transactions are only valid after being signed by your hardware device.

Security best practices

  • Never reveal your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger support will never ask for it.
  • Keep the recovery phrase offline — use paper or a steel backup for long-term storage.
  • Use a strong, unique Ledger Live application password and enable auto-lock to protect local data.
  • Confirm addresses and transactions on your Ledger device before approving to guard against malware and phishing.
  • Maintain a clean computing environment: keep OS and antivirus updated and avoid installing untrusted software on your Ledger computer.

Advanced features: passphrases, multisig, and integrations

Passphrase (25th word)

An optional passphrase augments your 24-word seed to create a separate wallet (often called a hidden wallet). This provides an additional layer of security and plausible deniability, but increases recovery complexity — losing the passphrase means you cannot recover that wallet.

Multisig & third-party integrations

Ledger devices can participate in multisignature setups via compatible third-party wallets. Multi-device strategies and multisig architectures reduce single-point risk for high-value holdings but require careful setup and custodial coordination.

dApps, staking and DeFi

Ledger Live Desktop may surface staking options and integrations with decentralized applications. When interacting with dApps, always check permissions and verify actions on-device. Understand smart contract risk before approving complex operations.

Troubleshooting common issues

Device not detected

  • Try another USB cable or port. Prefer direct connections to the host rather than through hubs.
  • Ensure the device is unlocked (enter PIN) before connecting.
  • Restart Ledger Live Desktop and your computer; reinstall Ledger Live from the official site if necessary.

Firmware or app update failures

Keep the device connected and unlocked during updates. If an update fails repeatedly, consult official Ledger Support before attempting manual fixes.

Forgot Ledger Live application password

Reinstalling Ledger Live Desktop clears local data and removes the app password. Reconnect and unlock your Ledger device to re-add accounts. Your funds remain safe on-chain as long as the recovery phrase is preserved.

FAQ

Does Ledger Live Desktop store private keys?

No. Ledger Live Desktop never stores private keys. All signing operations occur on the hardware device, keeping private keys in the secure element.

Can I restore my wallet on another device?

Yes — using your 24-word recovery phrase (and passphrase if used) you can restore wallets on another Ledger device or any compatible wallet supporting the same derivation standards.

Resources & support

If you'd like this guide converted to a React/Tailwind component, localized, shortened to a one-page quick start, or enriched with screenshots and SVG diagrams, say the word and I’ll update the document directly.