Ledger Live Desktop — Official Software for Hardware Wallet

Ledger Live Desktop® | Getting started — Ledger Support®

Introduction to Ledger Live Desktop

Welcome to the official Ledger Support guide for getting started with Ledger Live Desktop. This presentation-style tutorial will walk you through every step of installing, setting up, and using Ledger Live on your computer. Ledger Live is the essential companion app for your Ledger hardware wallet, enabling secure management of over 5,500 cryptocurrencies. Whether you're a beginner or experienced user, this guide ensures a smooth onboarding process. By the end, you'll be confidently handling your digital assets. Let's dive in!

What is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is a free, user-friendly application that connects to your Ledger hardware wallet. It allows you to:

View your portfolio balances and transaction history.
Send and receive cryptocurrencies securely.
Manage multiple accounts and assets.
Access staking, swapping, and DeFi features.
Update your device's firmware and apps.

Unlike web-based wallets, Ledger Live Desktop operates offline for your private keys, stored on your Ledger device. This ensures maximum security against online threats. Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, it's designed for desktop use, offering a robust interface for in-depth crypto management.

System Requirements

Before downloading, ensure your computer meets these requirements:

Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit) or later, macOS 10.14 or later, or Linux (Ubuntu 18.04 or equivalent).
Hardware: At least 4 GB RAM, 2 GB free disk space, and a USB port for connecting your Ledger device.
Internet Connection: Required for syncing data, but transactions are offline-verified on your device.
Additional: Antivirus software should not block the app; whitelist Ledger Live if needed.

If your system doesn't match, consider upgrading or using Ledger Live Mobile as an alternative.

Downloading Ledger Live Desktop

To get started:

Visit the official Ledger website at ledger.com/ledger-live.
Click "Download for Desktop" and select your operating system.
Download the installer file (e.g., .exe for Windows, .dmg for macOS).
Verify the download: Check the file hash on the site to ensure it's authentic and not tampered with.

This step prevents malware; always download from ledger.com to avoid scams.

Installing the Application

Once downloaded:

Run the installer and follow on-screen prompts.
Accept the terms of service and choose an installation directory.
On macOS, drag the app to your Applications folder.
Launch Ledger Live Desktop.

The app will prompt you to create or log in to an account. If it's your first time, select "Create a new account." Note: Ledger Live accounts are local to your device and don't store sensitive data—your private keys remain on your hardware wallet.

Setting Up Your Account

After launching:

Choose a username and password for your Ledger Live account (used for syncing across devices).
Enable analytics if desired (helps improve the app).
Set up a PIN for the app (separate from your device PIN).

Your account syncs portfolio data securely. If you have multiple devices, log in with the same credentials for continuity.

Connecting Your Ledger Device

To link your hardware wallet:

Plug in your Ledger device via USB.
Unlock it with your PIN.
In Ledger Live, go to "Manager" and allow the connection.
Install necessary apps on your device (e.g., Bitcoin app) via the Manager tab.

Connection ensures secure transactions. If prompted, update your device's firmware for the latest security patches.

Adding Accounts and Viewing Your Portfolio

With your device connected:

Navigate to the "Accounts" tab.
Click "Add account" and select a cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin).
Confirm on your device to generate an address.
View balances, charts, and transaction history in the Portfolio overview.

Ledger Live aggregates data from supported blockchains, providing real-time insights without compromising security.

Receiving Cryptocurrencies

To receive funds:

In Accounts, select the asset and click "Receive."
Verify the address on your Ledger device's screen (this prevents address spoofing).
Share the address with the sender.
Funds appear after confirmation on the blockchain (times vary by crypto).

Always double-check addresses to avoid losses from errors.

Sending Cryptocurrencies

Sending is secure and device-verified:

Go to Accounts, select an asset, and click "Send."
Enter recipient address, amount, and fee.
Review details on your Ledger device and approve.
Transaction broadcasts to the network.

Fees are estimated; adjust for speed vs. cost. Ledger Live supports batch sends for efficiency.

Exploring Advanced Features

Beyond basics, Ledger Live offers:

Staking: Earn rewards by locking assets (e.g., Ethereum 2.0).
Swapping: Exchange cryptos via integrated providers without leaving the app.
NFT Management: View and transfer non-fungible tokens.
DeFi Integration: Connect to decentralized apps for lending or farming.

Access these in the "Discover" tab. Always research before participating in high-risk activities.

Security Best Practices

Maximize protection:

Keep your recovery seed offline and secure.
Use a strong app PIN and enable two-factor authentication if available.
Update Ledger Live and device firmware regularly.
Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive operations.
Never share your 24-word seed or private keys.

Ledger's open-source nature allows community audits, ensuring trustworthiness.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Encounter problems? Here's help:

Connection Issues: Try a different USB cable/port or restart your computer/device.
App Crashes: Reinstall Ledger Live or check for OS updates.
Transaction Errors: Verify network fees and address accuracy.
Sync Problems: Force a sync in Settings or check internet stability.
Device Not Recognized: Ensure firmware is up-to-date and apps are installed.

For unresolved issues, visit ledger.com/support or contact Ledger's help desk.

Updating and Maintaining Ledger Live

Stay current:

In the app, go to Settings > About and check for updates.
Download and install automatically.
Regularly back up your data and test recovery.

Updates bring new features and security fixes—don't skip them.

Mobile vs. Desktop Comparison

While this guide focuses on Desktop, note differences:

Desktop: Full portfolio management, advanced tools.
Mobile: On-the-go access, QR code scanning.
Use both for flexibility, but Desktop excels for detailed tasks.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Congratulations! You've mastered Ledger Live Desktop. With your crypto securely managed, explore staking or swapping. Remember, security is key—never rush transactions. For more resources, visit ledger.com/support, join the Ledger community on Reddit or Discord, and stay informed via the blog. Secure your future in crypto today!