Ledger Live Desktop

Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started™

This 2500-word guide walks you through downloading, installing, and using Ledger Live Desktop with your Ledger hardware wallet. You’ll learn secure setup, account management, sending/receiving, swaps, staking, dApp connections, advanced security options, and troubleshooting tips.

1. Why Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application designed as the primary interface for Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a secure, offline-first workflow where private keys stay on your device while you manage transactions through a familiar desktop UI. The desktop app is best-suited for users who prefer a larger screen for portfolio analytics, want to use advanced workflows, or need the additional controls and integrations that the desktop environment enables.

2. Key features at a glance

  • Hardware-backed signing: All transaction signing happens on your Ledger device — the app cannot access private keys.
  • Multi-asset support: Manage Bitcoin, Ethereum, many altcoins and tokens in one place.
  • App Manager: Install and manage blockchain apps on your Ledger device.
  • Portfolio insights: Real-time balances, historical charts and exportable reports.
  • Swaps & buy: Integrated third-party providers for swaps and on-ramps (fees and KYC may apply).
  • Staking: Stake supported assets directly from the desktop app.
  • dApp connectivity: Use MetaMask or WalletConnect with Ledger as the signer.

3. System requirements & supported devices

Ledger Live Desktop supports Windows 10/11, macOS (Intel & Apple Silicon), and major Linux distributions. Compatible Ledger devices include Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X. Nano X supports Bluetooth for mobile pairing — desktop users typically use a wired USB connection. Ensure your OS is up-to-date and you have a data-capable USB cable — some cables are power-only and won't work for data transfer.

4. Download, verify & install safely

Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger domain (ledger.com/ledger-live) or your platform's verified app store. Phishing sites can mimic official pages — check the URL and SSL certificate. Advanced users may verify installer checksums (SHA256) published by Ledger.

  1. Visit https://ledger.com/ledger-live and select Desktop.
  2. Download the installer for your OS and optionally verify the checksum if you know how to use verification tools.
  3. Run the installer and follow OS prompts. On first run, grant USB permissions so Ledger Live can communicate with your device.

5. Initialize and onboard your Ledger device

When you first open Ledger Live Desktop, it will offer setup options. The safe onboarding flow is:

  1. Choose to set up a new device on the Ledger device itself — do not accept a setup that requires entering the seed into a computer.
  2. On the device, pick a secure PIN. Avoid simple sequences or shared digits.
  3. Write down the 24-word recovery phrase on the supplied recovery sheet. Keep it offline. Do not photograph or store it digitally.
  4. Confirm words on the device when prompted.
  5. Open Ledger Live Desktop, go to Manager, and install the blockchain apps you need (Bitcoin app, Ethereum app, etc.).
  6. Add accounts via Accounts → Add account while your device is connected and unlocked.
Important: never input your 24-word recovery phrase into Ledger Live or any website — only enter it on the Ledger device if restoring.

6. Adding accounts and portfolio management

Ledger Live organizes holdings into accounts — one per blockchain or token family. Each account shows balances, transaction history, and recent activity. The Portfolio tab aggregates holdings across accounts and presents historical performance charts. You can tag accounts, export CSVs for accounting or tax purposes, and configure currency display preferences.

7. Send, receive, swap & stake

Receiving

Select an account and click Receive. Ledger Live will display a receiving address and the Ledger device will show the same address. Always verify the address on the device screen before sharing it — this prevents local malware from substituting addresses.

Sending

Click Send, enter the recipient address and amount, then confirm fees and transaction details in the app. The final confirmation and signature happen on the Ledger device; the device will display transaction parameters — verify them carefully before approving.

Swaps & Buy

Ledger Live includes integrated swap providers and on‑ramp partners. These are third‑party services; compare rates and fees. When swapping or buying, signing still occurs on-device but the trade execution and fiat handling are performed by the provider selected by Ledger Live.

Staking

Supported assets can be staked directly in Ledger Live with trusted providers. Review APY, lock-up periods, and any unstaking mechanics before delegating funds.

8. Connecting to dApps and MetaMask

Ledger Live Desktop supports secure connections to decentralized applications via WalletConnect or by using MetaMask configured to use Ledger as a hardware signer. Typical flows:

  • MetaMask + Ledger: In MetaMask choose "Connect Hardware Wallet" → "Ledger" and follow prompts. MetaMask provides the dApp interface, while Ledger provides the cryptographic signing.
  • WalletConnect: Use WalletConnect-compatible dApps to connect to Ledger Live mobile or compatible wallets. Signing is still confirmed on the device.

Always verify transaction details on your Ledger device before approving any dApp interaction. For smart contract calls, double-check the contract address and function parameters — Ledger will show a human-readable summary when possible, but complex calls may require careful inspection.

9. Security model & best practices

Ledger Live Desktop’s security depends on the hardware wallet model: keys never leave the device, and approvals must be confirmed physically. To maintain this security:

  • Buy devices only from authorized sellers or ledger.com to avoid tampered hardware.
  • Store the 24-word recovery phrase offline — consider a metal backup for durability against fire and water.
  • Use a strong, unique PIN and consider an optional passphrase if you understand the recovery implications.
  • Keep Ledger Live and device firmware updated; apply updates only from official sources and confirm prompts on-device.
  • Be vigilant about phishing: manually type ledger.com or use bookmarks; do not click unsolicited links claiming to be support.
  • Verify addresses and transaction details on-device before approving each operation — the device screen is the source of truth.

10. Advanced options: passphrase, multisig & enterprise

Passphrase-protected hidden wallets

An optional passphrase appended to the recovery seed derives hidden wallets. This is useful for privacy or deniability, but losing the passphrase means losing access to those wallets. Store passphrases separate from the recovery seed with extreme care.

Multisig setups

Combine multiple Ledger devices with multisig smart contracts (e.g., Gnosis Safe) to require multiple signatures for high-value transactions. Multisig reduces single-point-of-failure risk and is recommended for teams and treasuries.

Enterprise provisioning & management

Ledger offers enterprise solutions for device provisioning, management, and secure workflow integration. Enterprises should implement procurement, device lifecycle, key rotation, and incident response policies for robust operations.

11. Troubleshooting & common issues

Device not detected

  • Use a data-capable USB cable and try different USB ports.
  • Ensure the device is unlocked and on the home screen before connecting.
  • On Windows install drivers if prompted; on macOS/Linux check USB permissions.

Ledger Live crashes or fails to update

Reinstall Ledger Live from the official site. Check OS permissions, disable problematic security software temporarily, and ensure your machine meets system requirements.

Forgotten PIN

Multiple incorrect PIN attempts will reset the device. Restore using your recovery phrase on any Ledger device or supported wallet — this is why safe storage of the recovery phrase is critical.

Transaction errors or rejections

Confirm the correct app is open on-device for the blockchain you’re transacting on. Verify fee settings and check the network mempool for congestion. For complex contract calls, validate the dApp's code or use a well-known interface.

12. FAQ, resources & next steps

Is Ledger Live Desktop free?

Yes — Ledger Live Desktop is free to download and use. Third-party swap or fiat providers integrated into the app may charge fees or require KYC.

Can I use Ledger Live Desktop without a Ledger device?

You can install and view informational content, but signing transactions requires a connected Ledger hardware wallet. Some features like Portfolio preview may be accessible, but management and signing require the device.

Where can I get official support?

Use the official Ledger website for downloads, firmware notices, and support documentation. Beware of impersonators on social channels and never share your recovery phrase with anyone.

Next steps

  • Download Ledger Live Desktop from ledger.com/ledger-live.
  • Buy or verify your Ledger hardware device from authorized sellers.
  • Follow the onboarding flow above and secure your recovery phrase offline.
  • Consider reading Ledger Academy materials for step-by-step videos and advanced walkthroughs.

Ledger Live Desktop pairs a desktop-grade interface with Ledger’s hardware-backed security model. By following the secure setup procedures and verifying everything on-device, you reduce exposure to common remote attacks while retaining a powerful management interface for modern crypto needs.