Ledger Live Desktop — Install & Setup Guide

Step-by-step instructions to download and install Ledger Live Desktop, initialize your Ledger hardware wallet, add accounts, send & receive crypto, stake assets, manage NFTs, and connect safely to Web3 applications.

Overview — What is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the official application built by Ledger to securely manage cryptocurrency assets while keeping private keys on Ledger hardware devices (e.g., Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X). It provides a user-friendly interface to add accounts, view portfolio balances, send and receive funds, buy & swap with integrated partners, stake tokens, and interact with NFTs and decentralized apps — without exposing your private keys to the internet.

Before you begin — prerequisites

• A Ledger hardware device (Nano S Plus or Nano X preferred).
• A computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux.
• A USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X) and a stable internet connection.
• Time to securely write and store your 24-word recovery phrase (if initializing a new device).

Security reminder: Always purchase Ledger devices from official channels. Never enter your recovery phrase on a computer, website or mobile app. The recovery phrase is the only backup of your wallet — keep it offline and secret.

Step 1 — Download Ledger Live Desktop

1. Open your browser and go to the official Ledger Live download page at ledger.com/ledger-live.
2. Choose the installer that matches your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux).
3. Download the file and verify it if you can (check the page for signature/verification guidance).
4. Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions.

Step 2 — First launch & initial configuration

When you first open Ledger Live Desktop it will guide you through an initial setup flow:

1. Choose language and accept the terms (read them).
2. Option: set up as a new Ledger device or restore from an existing recovery phrase.
3. If you already have a Ledger device set up, choose "Pair with existing device" and follow prompts.

If you are restoring from a recovery phrase, do this only on the Ledger device itself — the phrase should never be typed into your computer.

Step 3 — Initialize or restore your Ledger hardware wallet

If your Ledger is brand new or you want a fresh setup:

1. Connect the Ledger to your computer using the USB cable (or pair via Bluetooth for Nano X).
2. Power it on and follow on-device prompts to Set up as new device.
3. Create a PIN (4–8 digits) on the device — choose something you can remember but others cannot guess.
4. Your device will display a 24-word recovery phrase one word at a time — write each word in order on the provided recovery sheet. Store this sheet securely offline in multiple safe places (consider a fireproof/waterproof metal backup).
5. Confirm the phrase on the device when prompted.

If you already have a recovery phrase from a previous device, select Restore device from recovery phrase and follow on-device prompts to re-enter the words and set a PIN.

Step 4 — Pairing Ledger Live with your device

Back in Ledger Live Desktop:

1. Choose your device model and connect it.
2. Allow Ledger Live to communicate with your device (you will confirm on-device).
3. Ledger Live will prompt you to install the latest firmware if required — follow instructions and confirm on device. Firmware updates must be completed on-device and are crucial for security.

Firmware updates can take a few minutes; ensure a stable connection and don't disconnect the device during the update.

Step 5 — Install blockchain apps & add accounts

Ledger devices run small "apps" for each blockchain (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.). Install them via Ledger Live:

1. Open Ledger Live and go to Manager.
2. Install the blockchain apps you need (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
3. After apps are installed, go to Accounts > Add account and follow prompts to add accounts discovered on your device.
4. Verify each account address on your device screen before confirming in Ledger Live.

Step 6 — Receive and send crypto securely

To receive:

1. Open Ledger Live, select the account and click Receive.
2. Ledger Live will show an address — confirm that this exact address appears on your Ledger device’s screen before sharing it with the sender.

To send:

1. In Ledger Live, choose the account and click Send.
2. Enter destination address and amount, then continue.
3. Ledger Live will prepare the transaction and your device will show transaction details — verify fees, address and amount on-device then approve to sign.

Always verify transaction details directly on your Ledger device. This is the final protection against malware that may attempt to modify addresses or amounts.

Step 7 — Optional features: buy, swap, stake & NFTs

• Buy & Swap: Ledger Live includes integrations with vetted partners to buy crypto with fiat and swap between assets. Third-party services handle fiat on/off ramps; Ledger Live ensures transactions are signed on-device.
• Staking: For supported networks (e.g., Tezos, Ethereum, Cardano), Ledger Live allows delegation/staking while keeping keys on-device. Review lock-up rules, fees and validator details before staking.
• NFTs: Ledger Live displays supported NFT collections. For marketplace interactions, use WalletConnect or approved integrations and always confirm contract calls on-device.

Step 8 — Web3 & dApp integrations

To interact with decentralized applications, use WalletConnect or Ledger-approved browser extensions. Typical flow:

1. Open the dApp and choose Connect Wallet > WalletConnect or select Ledger if available.
2. Approve connection in Ledger Live (or wallet extension).
3. When the dApp asks for transactions or signatures, confirm details on your Ledger device before approving.

Never sign transactions or messages that you do not fully understand. Malicious dApps can request dangerous permissions — always verify on-device.

Troubleshooting common issues

• Device not detected: Try a different USB cable/port, ensure Ledger Live and device firmware are updated, and check OS permissions (e.g., on macOS allow the app to access the device).
• App install fails: Free some space by uninstalling unused apps from the device via Ledger Live Manager, then retry.
• Transaction stuck: Check network congestion and fees; some blockchains allow replace-by-fee or cancel options.

If problems persist, use Ledger's official Support Center and knowledge base rather than community forums for critical guidance.

Security best practices (non-negotiable)

• Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger staff will never ask for it.
• Write your recovery phrase on paper/metal backup and store it offline in multiple secure places.
• Always verify addresses and contract details on the device screen (not just in Ledger Live).
• Keep Ledger Live and your device firmware up to date.
• Buy Ledger devices only from official Ledger channels to avoid tampering.

Advanced settings & tips

• Passphrase: Consider using an additional passphrase (25th word) for an extra hidden account — it increases security but adds complexity; document it securely.
• Multiple accounts: Create separate accounts for different goals (cold storage, trading, staking) to reduce operational risk.
• Metal backup: For long-term security, store recovery words on a fireproof metal backup rather than paper.
• Dedicated device: For very large holdings, consider using a dedicated computer and network environment for transactions.

Conclusion

Ledger Live Desktop, paired with a Ledger hardware wallet, offers a secure and versatile way to manage your crypto holdings. The install & setup process focuses on keeping private keys offline, verifying every critical action on-device, and following best practices to protect your assets. After setup, you’ll have a powerful dashboard for portfolio tracking, transactions, staking, NFTs and safe dApp interactions — all while maintaining custody of your keys.