Ledger® Live: Desktop | Getting Started with Lédger

Ledger® Live: Desktop — Getting Started with Lédger

Meet your command center for managing digital assets on Windows and macOS. Ledger® Live pairs with your Ledger hardware wallet so every transfer, swap, or staking action is confirmed on-device—keeping private keys offline. This friendly guide walks you through installation, first-run setup, and the healthy habits that make crypto management simple, colorful, and safe.

Why Choose Ledger Live

Security First, with Everyday Convenience

Hardware-Anchored Safety

Transactions are approved on your Ledger screen. The seed phrase never touches your computer or the internet.

Unified Portfolio

Monitor balances, performance, and recent activity across multiple networks from one clean dashboard.

Send, Receive, Swap, Stake

Install coin apps, move funds with clear prompts, and access integrated services where supported.

Intentional Updates

Stay compatible with new assets and features via focused updates that respect your workflow.

Windows & macOS On-device approvals Multiple assets Portfolio view Integrated services

Install & Connect in Five Easy Steps

Get the installer from an official page. Use your own bookmark—avoid search-ad links and third-party mirrors.

Install Ledger® Live Desktop. Follow OS prompts and allow required USB/HID permissions so the app can talk to your device.

Open Manager & update firmware. Keep the device and coin apps current for best compatibility and security.

Add accounts & verify addresses. When receiving, confirm the address on your computer matches the one on your device screen.

Transact deliberately. Review amounts, fees, and network. Approve on the device only when everything matches exactly.

Pro tip: If the app can’t find your device, try a different USB port/cable, close other wallet apps, unlock your device, and relaunch.

Important: No website or support agent will ever ask for your 24-word recovery phrase or PIN. If prompted online, stop—it’s a scam.

Ledger® Live at a Glance

Use Case	How the App Helps
Daily tracking	Portfolio snapshot with balances, price moves, and recent activity in one place.
Secure transfers	On-device confirmations keep private keys offline and approvals intentional.
Broader coverage	Install coin apps for supported networks; manage multiple assets side by side.
Staking & services	Access integrated flows (where available) without leaving the desktop environment.
Reliability	Desktop integration reduces surprises from browser updates and extension conflicts.

Use Case

How the App Helps

Daily tracking

Portfolio snapshot with balances, price moves, and recent activity in one place.

Secure transfers

On-device confirmations keep private keys offline and approvals intentional.

Broader coverage

Install coin apps for supported networks; manage multiple assets side by side.

Staking & services

Access integrated flows (where available) without leaving the desktop environment.

Reliability

Desktop integration reduces surprises from browser updates and extension conflicts.

Common Questions

Is Ledger® Live Desktop required to use a Ledger device?

It’s the recommended way to manage accounts, install coin apps, and update firmware. Some third-party wallets also support Ledger devices.

Does the app ever access my private keys?

No. The seed phrase and keys remain inside the hardware wallet. You approve actions on the device screen you control.

How do I keep everything up to date?

Use the in-app updater or reinstall from the official site you’ve bookmarked, and keep device firmware current.

What’s the safest way to store my recovery phrase?

Write it down or engrave it in steel and store offline in a secure location. Never type it on a computer or phone, and never share it.

Manage Crypto with Confidence

Ledger® Live Desktop gives you a focused, hardware-secured workspace for everyday crypto tasks. Download from official sources, verify every receive address on the device, and keep your recovery phrase offline. Good habits today protect your portfolio tomorrow.