Why Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop® is the official, full-featured desktop application that pairs with Ledger hardware wallets to provide a powerful, local interface for portfolio management, app installation, firmware updates, staking, and access to vetted integrations. The desktop environment gives you a richer UI, larger export and reporting tools, and a workflow that many users prefer for high-value operations and detailed account management. Most importantly, Ledger Live Desktop is designed so that private keys remain inside your Ledger device — signing occurs on-device — while the desktop app acts as a secure, user-friendly control plane.

Pro tip: Use Ledger Live Desktop for advanced tasks (bulk exports, staking management, app manager) and keep a mobile install for quick checks on the go.

Download & Install

Always download Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger start page. Do not trust links from unverified sources or screenshots posted in social media. The correct start URL is ledger.com/start, where you can select your device model and platform (Windows, macOS, Linux).

  1. Open a modern browser and navigate to https://ledger.com/start.
  2. Select “Ledger Live” and choose your operating system download (Windows .exe / macOS .dmg / Linux .AppImage or .deb where available).
  3. Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions. On first launch, grant any OS permissions the app requests (these are typical for local desktop apps).
  4. Ledger Live Desktop will guide you through onboarding options: set up a new device, recover from an existing seed, or just connect a previously set up device.

Security note: Never download Ledger Live from torrents, third-party file hosts, or untrusted mirrors. If the installer file checksum is provided on the site, verify it matches before running.

Initial Setup — step by step

After installing Ledger Live Desktop, complete these steps to initialize your hardware wallet and connect it to Ledger Live:

  1. Connect your Ledger device via USB (or Bluetooth for supported models) and unlock it with the device PIN.
  2. Choose setup mode in Ledger Live: Create a new device if you’re initializing a new Ledger, or Restore device if you have an existing recovery phrase.
  3. Create a secure PIN directly on the device — never type your PIN into the computer. The PIN protects access to the device if stolen.
  4. Write down the recovery phrase exactly as presented by the device (24 words by default). Use the supplied recovery sheet or a robust metal backup. Do not take photos or store the seed digitally.
  5. Confirm the recovery phrase when prompted on the device to ensure it was written correctly.
  6. Install firmware updates through Ledger Live if prompted. Firmware updates fix bugs and improve security — install them only via Ledger Live and official channels.

After setup, Ledger Live Desktop will prompt you to install apps and add accounts — continue to the next section to manage them.

Accounts & App Manager

Ledger devices operate an app-per-coin model. Each installed app enables the device to understand a particular blockchain and sign transactions accordingly. Ledger Live Desktop’s Manager makes installing and removing apps straightforward — uninstalling an app only removes the local app from the device and does not delete funds (accounts are derived from the recovery seed).

Install only what you need

Because some Ledger devices have limited internal storage, install only the coin apps you actively use. If you later need another coin, you can uninstall an app and reinstall it — accounts and funds remain recoverable from your seed.

Adding accounts

  1. Open Ledger Live → Accounts → Add account.
  2. Select the desired coin/app and open that app on your device when prompted.
  3. Ledger Live will scan and display accounts derived from your seed; choose which to add.

Receiving & Sending

To receive, select an account and click “Receive.” Always verify the address shown in Ledger Live matches the one displayed on your hardware device screen before sharing. To send, build the transaction in Ledger Live and then confirm the recipient, amount, and fee on the device — signing occurs on-device and only the signed transaction is broadcast.

Staking, Rewards & Integrations

Ledger Live Desktop supports native staking for selected proof-of-stake networks and integrates with partner services for additional earning options. Native staking keeps signing on the Ledger device while providing a streamlined UI for delegation and reward management.

Before staking, review the chain’s lockup/unbonding periods, delegation rules, and validator fees. Some staking flows involve waiting periods for unlocking funds — understand these timelines before committing large sums.

Tip: Start with a small delegation to learn the process, then scale up once you’re comfortable with the workflows and timings.

Third-party Integrations & Advanced Workflows

Advanced users often combine Ledger Live Desktop with third-party wallets and dApp interfaces (for example, connecting Ledger to MetaMask in hardware wallet mode for Web3 interactions). When using integrations, Ledger Live and the hardware device enforce on-device confirmations for every critical action, but the third-party smart contract risks still apply — always verify contract details, approvals, and begin with small amounts.

Ledger devices also support developer standards (U2F, WebUSB) enabling a broad range of integrations. For enterprise or multisig setups, Ledger hardware can act as one of several signers in a multi-party custody configuration.

Security Best Practices

Ledger Live Desktop’s security depends on both the hardware device and your operational habits. Follow these practices consistently:

  • Download only from ledger.com/start. Verify checksums if provided.
  • Never type or photograph your recovery phrase. Write it on the recovery card or use a metal backup plate stored in secure, separated locations.
  • Always confirm addresses and amounts on the device screen before approving transactions.
  • Use a strong PIN and consider an optional passphrase for a hidden wallet (store the passphrase securely — if lost, it’s unrecoverable).
  • Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated using official tools; updates patch security issues and add improvements.
  • Segregate funds: consider separate accounts for daily use and cold storage for long-term holdings.

If you suspect your recovery phrase has been exposed: generate a new seed on a new device immediately and transfer funds to addresses derived from the new seed. Do not reuse exposed seeds.

Troubleshooting — common desktop issues

Device not detected

  • Try a different USB cable (many cables are power-only).
  • Use a different USB port or another computer to isolate the issue.
  • Ensure the Ledger device is unlocked and the correct coin app is open when performing account operations.
  • Restart Ledger Live Desktop and the operating system if necessary.

Firmware update failed

Do not disconnect the device during firmware updates. If a firmware update fails, follow official recovery instructions in Ledger Live Desktop or contact Ledger support through official channels. Never share your recovery phrase with anyone.

Incorrect balances or missing transactions

Use Ledger Live’s “Sync” or “Rescan” capability. Allow time for backend providers to update — for very recent transactions, some delays are normal. If issues persist, check Ledger’s status pages or community channels for known service interruptions.

FAQs — quick answers

Does Ledger Live Desktop store my private keys?
No — private keys remain inside the Ledger hardware device; Ledger Live Desktop is an interface that requests signatures from the device.
Can I use Ledger Live Desktop on multiple machines?
Yes — install Ledger Live Desktop on any number of trusted machines. Your seed and device are the authoritative keys; connect the device when you need to sign transactions.
Will Ledger Live ever ask for my full recovery phrase?
No. If any software or person asks you to input the full seed, treat it as malicious and stop immediately.
What if I forget my PIN?
If you forget the PIN, you can reset the device and restore from the recovery phrase. This is why secure, redundant backups of your seed are essential.

Conclusion — your 5-step starter checklist

  1. Download Ledger Live Desktop from ledger.com/start and verify installer authenticity.
  2. Set up your Ledger device, choose a PIN, and write down the 24-word recovery phrase offline.
  3. Install only the coin apps you need, add accounts, and perform a small test transaction.
  4. Keep firmware and Ledger Live Desktop up to date; confirm every transaction on the device screen.
  5. Use redundant, geographically separated backups for your recovery phrase; if exposed, migrate funds immediately to a new seed.

Get Ledger Live Desktop & Official Resources

© Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started. This guide is informational and not an official Ledger.com page unless accessed directly from official links above. Always consult ledger.com for official downloads, firmware, and support.