Start Using Ledger® Live on Desktop

Ledger Live Desktop — the secure wallet app for your Ledger hardware wallet. Download, verify, set up, and manage crypto safely.

Intro — Why Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the official secure wallet app designed to be used together with a Ledger hardware wallet. Ledger Live Desktop provides a polished, single-pane interface for checking balances, sending and receiving crypto, installing currency apps on your device, buying and swapping assets, staking supported tokens, and monitoring NFT collections — all while ensuring that the private keys remain offline and are never exposed to your computer. This separation of interface (Ledger Live) and signing authority (Ledger device) is the foundational security model: Ledger Live provides convenience and visibility; your Ledger hardware wallet provides custody and signing authority.

Because Ledger Live Desktop is the recommended, supported desktop application, it receives regular updates, security fixes, and signature verification artifacts to ensure users can verify authentic installers and avoid counterfeit packages. For official downloads and verification steps use the Ledger website and Ledger Live signature pages. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Before You Begin — Essential Checklist

  • Have your Ledger hardware wallet (e.g., Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X) and its USB cable ready.
  • Download Ledger Live Desktop only from ledger.com/ledger-live or the official Ledger download page. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
  • Make a physical, offline plan to record your recovery seed (never digital, never photos).
  • Prepare the computer you will use: up-to-date OS, trusted network, and avoid public or untrusted devices.

Step 1 — Download Ledger Live Desktop

Visit the official Ledger Live download page to choose the correct desktop installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux). Ledger’s download page lists platform-specific installers and instructions so you can choose the one that matches your machine. Never download Ledger Live from third-party sites; always use the official Ledger domains. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Quick tip: Bookmark the official download page to avoid phishing shortcuts and fake links in the future.

Step 2 — Verify the Installer

Ledger publishes signatures and checksums for Ledger Live installers so you can verify authenticity. Verifying the signature or comparing the SHA-512 checksum of your downloaded file to Ledger’s published hash is an important step to confirm the installer hasn’t been tampered with. Ledger provides guidance on how to verify signatures on Windows, macOS, and Linux. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} 

Verify example (summary):
sha512sum ledger-live-desktop-*.dmg
# compare the output to the published SHA-512 on Ledger's signatures page

Why verification matters: counterfeit or malicious installers have been used to phish seed phrases or replace legitimate apps — always verify before you run the installer. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Step 3 — Install & Run Ledger Live

Run the installer you verified, follow the on-screen prompts, and open Ledger Live when installation completes. Ledger Live will ask you to accept terms and then guide you through onboarding: choose whether to set up a new device or restore an existing wallet, update firmware if needed, and install currency apps via the My Ledger or Manager section.

Step 4 — Pair Your Ledger Device

Connect your Ledger hardware wallet to your computer with the provided USB cable. Unlock your device by entering the PIN on the device screen. Ledger Live will detect the device and pair it to your desktop session. On your Ledger device, confirm any prompts directly on-device — the device screen is the final authority for signing and critical confirmations.

Creating or Restoring a Wallet

During the Ledger Live setup you can choose to create a brand-new wallet (receive a new recovery seed) or restore a wallet from an existing recovery seed. If you create a new wallet, Ledger Live will guide you through generating the recovery seed, and your Ledger device will display the seed words which you must write down physically. If you restore, enter your existing seed only on a Ledger device using the device’s buttons — never type your seed into the computer or into Ledger Live. This on-device-only seed entry model protects you from remote keyloggers or phishing pages.

Install Crypto Apps on the Ledger Device

Ledger devices use small on-device apps (one per blockchain/protocol) to enable support for specific assets. Use Ledger Live’s Manager section to install or remove apps — installing an app on the device does not move funds; it only enables the device to manage that asset type. Ledger Live will show a list of supported assets; for advanced or niche assets you may need a third-party wallet in addition to Ledger Live.

Using Ledger Live Features Safely

  • Send & Receive: Generate receiving addresses in Ledger Live and confirm each address on the Ledger device before sharing it. Always check the device screen for the same address you see in the app.
  • Buy & Swap: Ledger Live integrates with third-party providers for buying and swapping — review provider fees and confirm payment details on-device.
  • Stake & Earn: For supported proof-of-stake networks you can delegate or stake directly from Ledger Live while maintaining private key custody on the device.
  • Portfolio & NFTs: Track portfolio value, token holdings and NFTs in the dashboard. Ledger Live shows aggregated balances across your accounts to simplify portfolio management.

Security Best Practices

Ledger Live is built around a security-first model, but user behavior matters. Key best practices include: always download from the official Ledger site, verify installer signatures, never disclose your recovery seed, keep firmware up-to-date, use a secure PIN and secure physical storage for your recovery material. If an application ever asks for your seed phrase, treat it as a scam — Ledger and legitimate apps never ask for your full seed. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Troubleshooting & Support

If Ledger Live doesn’t detect your device, try a different USB port/cable, update system drivers (on Windows), and ensure you’re using the latest Ledger Live version. Ledger’s support knowledgebase covers platform-specific issues, firmware updates, and recovery procedures — consult the official support pages for authoritative troubleshooting steps. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Privacy & Local Data

Ledger Live stores local configuration and account metadata on your computer, but private keys and seed material remain on the hardware device. Ledger publishes a privacy policy describing telemetry, account discovery, and how certain third-party integrations may work. Review privacy settings in Ledger Live and opt out of telemetry if you prefer minimal data sharing.

When to Use Third-Party Wallets

Ledger Live is an all-in-one app for mainstream use, but there are times where specialized third-party wallets offer advanced DeFi or niche token features. In those cases: connect the third-party wallet and use Ledger as the signing device — keys remain in your Ledger device while the other wallet provides advanced features. Always verify the third-party app's reputation and compatibility before connecting.

Keeping Ledger Live Updated

Ledger releases regular updates to Ledger Live for feature improvements and security fixes. Ledger Live shows update banners or notifies users to download new versions — keep Ledger Live and your Ledger device firmware current, but always verify update packages before installing. Ledger provides signature pages to authenticate downloads. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Final Checklist — Ready to Start

  1. Download Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger site. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
  2. Verify the installer signature / checksum with Ledger’s published hashes. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
  3. Install, open Ledger Live, and pair your Ledger device via USB.
  4. Create a new wallet or recover an existing wallet only on-device.
  5. Write your recovery seed down physically and store it offline.
  6. Install the currency apps you need via Ledger Live’s Manager.
  7. Confirm addresses and approve all transactions physically on the Ledger device.
  8. Keep software and firmware updated; monitor official Ledger support for advisories. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Ledger Live Desktop Secure wallet app — Ledger + Ledger Live = safer crypto custody
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