Introduction
Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application from Ledger that allows you to manage your cryptocurrency holdings safely while keeping private keys stored on your Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X). This guide walks you through every step you need to go from a brand-new device to confidently sending, receiving, staking and managing assets using the Ledger Live Desktop experience.
1. Download Ledger Live Desktop
Always download Ledger Live Desktop directly from Ledger's official website to avoid counterfeit or tampered installers. Visit the official Ledger Live download page and choose the Desktop build for macOS, Windows, or Linux. Links in the quick links panel point to the official installer and verification resources.
Why verification matters: attackers have been known to distribute fake wallet apps. Ledger publishes download signatures and instructions for verifying releases — use them if you want extra assurance before installing. Official verification: Verify Ledger Live.
2. Install and launch Ledger Live Desktop
Run the installer for your operating system and launch Ledger Live Desktop. On first launch, Ledger Live will present a clear onboarding flow: pick your device model (Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X), choose to set up as a new device or restore, and follow guided instructions. If you use the Nano X with Bluetooth, pairing will be shown during the mobile setup flow — desktop supports USB connections primarily.
If you experience driver or permission prompts on your OS, follow the official support pages for your platform. These pages explain common permission adjustments for macOS security & privacy, Windows drivers, and Linux udev rules.
3. Set up your Ledger device (PIN & recovery phrase)
During setup, your Ledger device will either generate a new recovery phrase (usually 24 words) or prompt you to restore from an existing one. The recovery phrase is created on the device screen — never on your computer. Write the words down in order on the provided recovery sheet and keep the sheet offline. Confirm the phrase when the device requests verification.
Do not take photos of your recovery phrase, store it in cloud storage, or enter it into any website or app. Ledger will never ask for your 24-word seed in Ledger Live or support channels.
4. Manager: install apps and add accounts
Ledger Live Desktop contains a Manager section that lets you install coin-specific apps onto your Ledger device. These apps allow your hardware wallet to understand and manage different blockchains (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Install the apps you need, then use the Add account flow to add supported accounts to Ledger Live so you can view balances and history.
Remember: installing an app does not expose private keys to your computer — it only registers which blockchain the device can interact with.
5. Sending, receiving, and transaction verification
When receiving funds, generate a receive address in Ledger Live and always verify the full address on your Ledger device screen before sharing it. When sending funds, Ledger Live prepares the transaction and the Ledger device displays the final transaction details for you to review and approve with the device buttons. This step is the cornerstone of Ledger’s security model — it prevents malware on the host from silently changing amounts or addresses.
6. Extra features: Buy, Swap, Stake and Portfolio
Ledger Live Desktop integrates with trusted partners to enable buying and swapping, and supports staking for selected assets directly within the app. The Portfolio view gives you an aggregated overview of all your accounts and their current market value. Fees and providers for buy/swap services are displayed before you confirm any transaction — compare them if pricing matters.
7. Security model and best practices
Ledger Live Desktop is built around the principle that private keys never leave your hardware device. However, security is shared: you must keep your operating system and Ledger Live up to date, avoid installing unknown software, and never reveal your recovery phrase. Use a PIN on your Ledger device and secure backups (metal plates are recommended for long-term resilience).
- Download Ledger Live only from ledger.com. (Official download)
- Never share your recovery phrase — Ledger Live will never ask for it.
- Use a metal backup or secure offline storage for your recovery phrase.
- Verify transaction details on-device, not only on-screen.
- Keep Ledger Live and device firmware updated and follow official release notes.
8. Firmware updates and maintenance
Ledger periodically releases firmware updates to add features and harden security. Ledger Live Desktop will notify you when updates are available and walk you through the update process. Always ensure you have a verified recovery backup before updating firmware. If an update fails or you see unusual behavior, consult Ledger Support before attempting risky recovery steps.
9. Troubleshooting common desktop issues
Common problems include device not detected, drivers/permissions issues, or app installation errors. Try the following checklist:
- Use a known-good USB cable and plug directly into your computer (avoid hubs).
- Restart Ledger Live and the computer; try different USB ports.
- Check for OS-specific driver or permission instructions on Ledger Support.
- Update Ledger Live to the latest version and check the Manager for device firmware status.
- If you suspect a compromised machine, move to a clean environment and never enter your recovery phrase on the suspect device.
10. Restoring on a new device
If you need to restore your accounts on a new Ledger device, choose the Restore option during the setup flow and enter your recovery phrase using the device interface. Enter words carefully and in order — a mistake in one word will cause a different derived wallet and loss of access to funds. If you used passphrases or advanced derivation paths, make sure you reproduce those details exactly.