Introduction
Ledger Live Desktop is the official software companion for Ledger hardware wallets, providing a secure interface to manage cryptocurrencies, monitor balances, perform transactions, and update device firmware. By keeping private keys offline on the Ledger device, users can manage assets safely while leveraging a full-featured desktop application.
1. Downloading Ledger Live Desktop
Always download Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger website. Avoid third-party sites to prevent malware risks.
- Choose the correct platform: Windows, macOS, or Linux.
- Verify the downloaded installer’s checksum to ensure integrity.
- Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions.
- Launch the application and select the appropriate setup option: initialize a new device, restore from recovery phrase, or open an existing profile.
- Ledger Live mobile app is optional for daily monitoring.
2. Connecting Your Ledger Device
Use the supplied USB cable to connect your Ledger device. Ledger Live Desktop will detect the device and guide you through unlocking.
- Enter the device PIN on the Ledger device itself.
- Never type your recovery phrase into the computer.
- For security, avoid using USB hubs during initial setup.
- Ensure your computer is free from malware and keyloggers.
- Device connection troubleshooting
3. Setting Up Accounts
Ledger Live Desktop allows users to manage multiple cryptocurrency accounts securely.
- Install the specific cryptocurrency apps via Ledger Live.
- Add new accounts for each coin.
- View balances, transaction history, and portfolio performance.
- Use labels to organize accounts.
- Supported coins and tokens
- Portfolio overview
4. Sending and Receiving Crypto
Ledger Live Desktop ensures that transaction details are verified on the device, providing protection against malware that could alter recipient addresses or amounts.
- Generate receive addresses and confirm them on-device.
- Send funds securely with Ledger Live; confirm amounts and recipients on-device.
- Perform small test transactions when sending to a new address or service.
- Transaction fee guide
- Sending and receiving cryptocurrency
5. Security Best Practices
Maintaining strong security habits is essential when using Ledger Live Desktop:
- Keep Ledger Live and device firmware up to date.
- Never share your recovery phrase.
- Store recovery phrases offline in a secure location.
- Enable optional passphrase protection for additional security.
- Daily security checklist
- Avoiding phishing attempts
6. Recovery Phrase Backup
The recovery phrase is your ultimate backup. Ledger Live Desktop never stores this phrase digitally.
- Write your 24-word recovery phrase on the official recovery card.
- Store backups in separate secure locations.
- Do not photograph, email, or store the phrase digitally.
- Recovery phrase storage tips
- Restoring a device with recovery phrase
7. Firmware Updates
Firmware updates enhance security and functionality:
- Check for firmware updates within Ledger Live Desktop.
- Follow on-device instructions carefully.
- Confirm firmware authenticity before installation.
- Firmware update guide
- Troubleshooting firmware issues
8. Advanced Features
Ledger Live Desktop supports advanced functionalities:
- Staking supported cryptocurrencies directly via Ledger Live.
- Interact with DApps securely using Ledger hardware.
- Enable multisig wallets for higher security.
- Staking guide
- DApp integration guide
- Multisig wallet setup
9. Troubleshooting and Support
If issues arise, Ledger Live Desktop provides guidance, and official support is available:
- Device not detected: check USB cable, port, and restart Ledger Live.
- Forgot PIN: reset device and restore using the recovery phrase.
- Suspicious prompts: treat any request for recovery words outside device restore flow as a scam.
- Ledger support contact
- Troubleshooting guide
10. Final Checklist Before Transactions
- Ledger Live Desktop installed from official source and up-to-date.
- Ledger device connected and unlocked.
- Recovery phrase securely stored offline.
- Transaction details confirmed on the device.
- Small test transactions performed for new addresses.