Welcome to Ledger Live Desktop — Quick Getting Started
Ledger Live Desktop is your secure wallet companion for managing crypto, NFTs, staking and more. This Ledger Live Desktop guide walks you through setup, installation, security best practices, and first steps to manage your assets safely.
Why choose Ledger Live Desktop? Ledger Live Desktop connects with your Ledger device to provide the most secure crypto management experience. Ledger Live, the Ledger Live Desktop application, lets you install apps on your device, add accounts, view balances, receive and send crypto, stake supported assets, and explore decentralized apps — all while keeping private keys isolated on your Ledger hardware device. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, Ledger Live Desktop is the secure wallet interface you need for everyday crypto tasks.
Step 1 — Download & install Ledger Live Desktop
Download the Ledger Live Desktop installer for Windows, macOS, or Linux. After downloading, run the installer and follow on-screen instructions. The Ledger Live Desktop setup will guide you to confirm your device, install device firmware if needed, and install Ledger Live Desktop companion apps. Always verify your download from official sources for the safest Ledger Live Desktop installation.
Step 2 — Initialize your Ledger device and connect
When you connect your Ledger device to Ledger Live Desktop for the first time, you can choose to setup as a new device or restore from an existing recovery phrase. Ledger Live Desktop will never ask you to enter your 24-word recovery phrase in the app — that phrase belongs on the device only. Use Ledger Live Desktop to create accounts and manage assets while your private keys remain secure on the Ledger hardware.
Step 3 — Add accounts in Ledger Live
Open Ledger Live Desktop, go to Accounts → Add account → choose the cryptocurrency, and follow prompts. Ledger Live Desktop reads your public keys via the Ledger device and shows balances securely. You can add multiple accounts for different assets — all managed from Ledger Live Desktop, your secure wallet interface.
Security best practices for Ledger Live Desktop
- Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger Live Desktop will never request it.
- Keep your Ledger device firmware and Ledger Live Desktop app up to date.
- Use a strong OS password and enable full-disk encryption for extra protection.
- Only download Ledger Live Desktop from trusted official links and verify signatures if provided.
Common tasks in Ledger Live Desktop
Use Ledger Live Desktop to send and receive crypto, check transaction history, stake coins that support staking, and interact with supported DeFi protocols via integrations. Ledger Live Desktop includes a Manager to install and remove coin-specific apps on your Ledger device, which is necessary before adding certain accounts in Ledger Live Desktop.
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Troubleshooting with Ledger Live Desktop
If Ledger Live Desktop can't detect your device, check USB cables, try another USB port, and ensure the device is unlocked. In some cases, OS drivers or permissions can block device access — consult Ledger Live Desktop help resources for platform-specific steps. Reinstalling Ledger Live Desktop or updating device firmware often resolves connectivity issues.
Summary: Ledger Live Desktop is a powerful and secure wallet for users who want full control of their crypto while keeping private keys offline on a Ledger device. Follow this Ledger Live Desktop Getting Started guide: download Ledger Live Desktop, connect and initialize your Ledger device, install asset apps via Manager, add accounts in Ledger Live Desktop, and follow security best practices to keep funds safe.
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