Why Ledger Live Desktop matters
Ledger Live Desktop is the secure bridge between your offline Ledger hardware and the blockchain. It lets you manage accounts, send and receive assets, swap tokens, stake eligible coins, and keep firmware up to date — while the private keys stay inside your device. For anyone serious about custody and safety, Ledger Live Desktop is the logical control center.
Install in four simple steps (5–10 minutes)
Download from the official page
Go to ledger.com/start and choose Ledger Live Desktop for your operating system. Only download from the official site to avoid phishing or modified installers.
Run the installer
Open the downloaded file and follow the installer prompts. On first run, Ledger Live may request permission to access the network for updates — this is required to fetch firmware and app updates securely.
Create a profile or restore
Choose to create a new profile if you’re new, or restore an existing wallet with your 24-word recovery phrase. If creating a new wallet, follow the on-device setup — never type or store your recovery phrase digitally.
Connect your Ledger device
Use the USB cable to connect your Ledger hardware. Ledger Live will prompt you to update firmware, install apps, and add accounts — complete these steps before sending or receiving funds.
Security essentials — simple, non-negotiable
Good security is a set of repeatable actions. Adopt these habits from day one to protect your funds:
- Write down your recovery phrase physically. Use the supplied card or a metal backup. Keep it offline and in a secure location. Never photograph or store the phrase on a phone or cloud service.
- Confirm everything on the device screen. Ledger hardware displays the transaction details. Always verify addresses and amounts on the device before approving.
- Use official downloads only. Bookmark ledger.com/start and avoid links sent by email or social media. Phishing remains the most common attack vector.
- Update firmware and apps regularly. Ledger Live manages secure updates. Apply them promptly to benefit from vulnerability fixes and feature improvements.
Daily use — what you can do with Ledger Live Desktop
Ledger Live is designed to be practical. Once set up, you can:
Track balances
Monitor multiple accounts, networks, and token balances in one clear dashboard. Read-only views let you see holdings without exposing keys.
Send & receive
Generate receive addresses, verify them on-device, and sign outgoing transactions with physical confirmation on your Ledger hardware.
Swap & buy
Use integrated partners to buy crypto with fiat or swap assets. The signing still happens on your hardware device, so keys remain secure.
Stake and earn
Stake supported assets directly through Ledger Live to earn rewards while your private keys stay offline.
Manage apps
Install or remove blockchain apps on your Ledger device to support specific chains and tokens. Keep only the apps you need for added simplicity.
Third-party integrations
Connect compatible wallets and DeFi apps without exposing your keys — Ledger acts as the secure signer for many popular integrations.
Troubleshooting — quick fixes
Most issues resolve quickly with a few checks:
- Device not detected: Try a different USB cable/port and avoid USB hubs. Reboot your computer if necessary.
- Update errors: Reconnect the device, reopen Ledger Live, and follow prompts. If the update fails repeatedly, contact official support rather than forcing workarounds.
- Lost PIN: You can restore your wallet on a new device using your recovery phrase — which is why offline backups are critical.
Checklist before large transfers
- Confirm Ledger Live was downloaded from ledger.com/start.
- Verify firmware and app versions are up to date.
- Test with a small transfer first.
- Secure at least one offline copy of your recovery phrase.