Welcome to the official guide to getting started with Ledger® Live for Desktop. Whether you’re new to Ledger or simply setting up on a new computer, this page will help you securely install, set up, and begin managing your crypto assets with Ledger Live.
Ledger Live is the all-in-one companion app for your Ledger hardware wallet. It allows you to safely manage, receive, and send a wide range of cryptocurrencies, as well as buy, sell, and stake assets directly through a trusted desktop interface.
Before setting up Ledger Live on your desktop, make sure you have the following:
A Ledger hardware wallet (Ledger Nano X, Ledger Nano S Plus, or Ledger Stax)
A Windows, macOS, or Linux desktop computer
A USB cable to connect your Ledger device
Internet access for downloading and installing the app
To ensure the security of your assets, only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website:
🔗 Download Ledger Live for Desktop
Choose the version that matches your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Once downloaded, follow the installation instructions for your platform.
⚠️ Security Tip: Always verify the source of the download. Avoid using third-party sites or unofficial links.
After downloading:
Double-click the .exe file and follow the on-screen instructions.
Open the .dmg file, then drag and drop Ledger Live into your Applications folder.
Use the .AppImage file or follow the Linux-specific instructions provided on the Ledger website.
Once installed, launch Ledger Live from your applications or start menu.
When you open Ledger Live for the first time, you’ll be guided through the setup process:
Select your Ledger hardware wallet model (Nano X, Nano S Plus, or Stax).
You’ll be asked if you want to:
Set up a new device
Restore a device from recovery phrase
Use an existing device
If your device is already set up, select “Use an existing device” to connect it with Ledger Live.
Follow the instructions to connect your device and verify its authenticity. This process ensures your device hasn’t been tampered with.
You’ll be prompted to set a password for the Ledger Live application. This adds an extra layer of protection on top of your hardware wallet.
Make sure to choose a strong and unique password.
🛡️ Note: This password is local to your computer. If you forget it, you’ll need to reset Ledger Live and re-import your accounts.
After setup, Ledger Live will prompt you to install apps (also called "coins") on your Ledger device. These apps allow you to manage specific crypto assets (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana).
Steps:
Go to My Ledger tab
Connect and unlock your Ledger device
Approve access on your device
Install apps for the coins you plan to manage
You can remove or reinstall apps later if needed.
To manage a cryptocurrency, you need to add an account for that asset:
Click “Accounts” in the sidebar
Select “Add account”
Choose the crypto asset
Connect and unlock your device
Approve the request on your device
Once synced, you’ll see your account in the dashboard and can view balances and transaction history.
Ledger Live makes it easy to send and receive assets securely.
Click “Receive”
Select the account (e.g., Bitcoin)
Connect and unlock your device
Verify the address on the screen and your device
Share the address to receive funds
Click “Send”
Enter the recipient’s address and amount
Connect and confirm the transaction on your Ledger device
All transactions require manual confirmation on your physical device, ensuring security at every step.
Ledger frequently updates Ledger Live to introduce new features, enhance security, and support additional assets.
To check for updates:
Click the Settings icon (gear)
Go to the About tab
Click “Check for updates”
Always update both Ledger Live and your device firmware when prompted.
If you encounter any issues, visit the official Ledger Support Center:
Common topics include:
Connection issues
Device not recognized
Recovery phrase problems
Account synchronization
You can also reach out to the Ledger support team or consult community forums for additional help.
Ledger Live Desktop is a secure, powerful interface that gives you full control over your crypto assets—combined with the unmatched protection of your Ledger hardware wallet. By following this guide, you’re now ready to explore all the features Ledger Live has to offer, including buying, staking, and managing over 5,000 digital assets.