Ledger Live Desktop® — Step-by-Step Setup & Security Guide

This guide, Ledger Live Desktop® — Step-by-Step Setup & Security Guide, walks you through installing Ledger Live on desktop, pairing your Ledger hardware device, securing your setup, and best practices to protect your crypto. Follow each step carefully — Ledger Live is the official interface to manage accounts on Ledger hardware wallets, and correct setup is critical for keeping your private keys offline and safe.

Overview — What is Ledger Live Desktop®?

Ledger Live Desktop® — Step-by-Step Setup & Security Guide covers the desktop application used to manage cryptocurrencies on Ledger devices. Ledger Live provides wallet management, transaction signing (on-device), firmware updates, and app management for devices like Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X. The app is the companion to your hardware — it never stores your private keys.

Before you begin

  • Make sure you have a genuine Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.).
  • Prepare a secure computer (avoid public or shared machines).
  • Have your 24-word recovery phrase written down and stored offline (not on a computer or cloud).
  • Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website.

Tip: Bookmark the official Ledger download page to avoid phishing sites.

Step-by-step: Install Ledger Live Desktop

  1. Download the installer.

    Go to the official Ledger website and download the Ledger Live desktop installer for your OS (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Do not download from third-party sites or follow links from unsolicited emails.

  2. Run the installer.

    Open the downloaded file and install Ledger Live. On macOS you may need to allow the app in Security & Privacy if it was blocked.

  3. Open Ledger Live and accept terms.

    Launch the app, accept the terms of service, and choose the standard setup flow.

  4. Connect your Ledger hardware.

    Use the supplied USB cable to connect your Ledger device. For Ledger Nano X, you can also use Bluetooth for mobile — desktop requires wired connection for most features.

  5. Create or restore a device.

    If your device is new, choose “Set up as new device” on the device and generate a PIN and recovery phrase. If restoring, use the device’s Restore option and carefully enter your 24-word phrase on the device — never on a computer.

  6. Allow Ledger Live to add accounts.

    From Ledger Live, choose the cryptocurrencies you want to manage and add accounts. Ledger Live will fetch balances and sync transaction history.

  7. Install apps on your Ledger device.

    Ledger Live installs blockchain-specific apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) directly onto the hardware. Install only official apps via Ledger Live — do not sideload third-party apps.

Security Checklist — After setup

  • Verify firmware: Keep device firmware up to date; Ledger Live will prompt when updates are available.
  • Secure recovery phrase: Store the 24-word phrase offline in multiple safe locations. Consider a fire- and water-resistant steel backup plate.
  • Never share your recovery phrase: Ledger will never ask for it — not via email, chat, or support.
  • Use a password manager: Store Ledger Live PIN hints or app passwords securely if you use software encryption features.
  • Enable device passphrase (optional): Advanced users can add a passphrase for additional hidden wallet segregation — treat it like an extra recovery phrase.
Quick tip: If you ever suspect your recovery phrase was exposed, move funds immediately to a new device with a fresh recovery phrase.

How transactions work with Ledger Live Desktop

When you create a transaction in Ledger Live, the unsigned transaction is prepared on your computer and then sent to the Ledger device. You must physically verify and approve each transaction on the device screen — this guarantees private keys never leave the hardware.

Best practices when sending funds

  • Always verify the destination address on your device screen before confirming.
  • For large transfers, send a small test amount first.
  • Check gas/fee settings and do not accept unexpected changes proposed by third-party dApps.

Troubleshooting common Ledger Live Desktop issues

  • Device not recognized: Try a different USB cable/port; ensure device screen is unlocked and in the Ledger Live app.
  • Firmware update fails: Reboot device and computer; do not disconnect while updating.
  • App installation stuck: Close Ledger Live, reconnect device, and reinstall the app.
  • Balances out of sync: Use the Sync option in Ledger Live or re-add the account (accounts remain safe on-device).

Advanced security: Passphrase & hidden wallets

Ledger devices support an optional passphrase (sometimes called the 25th word). This creates hidden wallets derived from the same recovery seed but requires the passphrase to access. Use this feature only if you understand recovery obligations: losing the passphrase means losing access.

For most users, the standard 24-word recovery phrase and secure storage are sufficient. Passphrases add complexity and should be documented and stored with the same care as your seed.

Ledger Live Desktop & Third-party integrations

Ledger Live supports integrations with some dApps and services via the Ledger Live bridge or direct wallet connections. Always review permissions and sign only transactions you understand. When connecting to Web3 apps, prefer connecting via Ledger Live when available instead of exposing keys to browser extensions.

Download Ledger Live Desktop (Official)
Disclaimer: This document — Ledger Live Desktop® — Step-by-Step Setup & Security Guide — is informational only and does not replace official Ledger documentation. Always download Ledger Live and firmware updates from the official Ledger website. Never share your 24-word recovery phrase or enter it on a computer or website. Managing cryptocurrency carries risk; follow proven security practices and consult official Ledger support for device-specific issues.