Complete step-by-step guide to setting up Ledger Live Desktop for secure cryptocurrency management. Protect your Bitcoin, Ethereum, and digital assets with professional-grade security.
Discover the powerful capabilities of Ledger's desktop application for cryptocurrency management
Track all your cryptocurrency investments in one unified dashboard with real-time price updates, allocation charts, and performance analytics across multiple wallets and exchanges. Monitor your Bitcoin, Ethereum, and altcoin investments with comprehensive portfolio tracking tools.
Swap cryptocurrencies directly within the Ledger Live Desktop application using integrated exchange partners. All transactions remain secure with your private keys protected by hardware wallet security. Execute trades without exposing your assets to exchange risks.
Benefit from Ledger's secure element technology, PIN protection, and recovery phrase backup. Your private keys never leave the hardware wallet, ensuring maximum security against online threats and malware attacks. Enterprise-grade protection for your digital assets.
Follow these 6 essential steps to configure your Ledger hardware wallet and desktop application
Begin by downloading the official Ledger Live Desktop application from the Ledger website. This desktop application serves as your central hub for managing your Ledger hardware wallet and cryptocurrency portfolio across Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.
Ensure you're downloading from the official Ledger.com website to avoid phishing scams. Verify the digital signature of the downloaded file to confirm its authenticity before installation.
Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install Ledger Live Desktop on your computer. The installation process is straightforward and typically takes just a few minutes to complete on most systems.
After installation, launch the Ledger Live Desktop application. The first time you run the app, it will perform initial setup procedures including creating a local encrypted database for your portfolio data.
Connect your Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S, Nano S Plus, or Nano X) to your computer using the provided USB cable. Ensure your device is unlocked by entering your PIN code on the device screen.
Ledger Live Desktop will automatically detect your connected device and establish a secure communication channel. Follow the on-screen prompts to allow the application to access your device for management operations.
If this is your first Ledger device, select "Set up as new device" to initialize your hardware wallet. The application will guide you through generating a new 24-word recovery phrase - the master backup for your entire cryptocurrency portfolio.
If you're restoring an existing wallet, choose "Restore from recovery phrase" and carefully enter your 24-word recovery phrase in the exact order. The application will verify the phrase and restore your accounts.
Use the Manager section in Ledger Live Desktop to install applications for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage. Each supported cryptocurrency requires its own app on your Ledger device.
Navigate to the Manager tab, connect your device, and install apps for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other supported cryptocurrencies. The application will automatically download and install the necessary firmware components.
Add cryptocurrency accounts to your Ledger Live Desktop portfolio. The application will automatically detect supported cryptocurrencies on your device and help you create the necessary accounts.
Customize your dashboard, set price alerts, and explore additional features like staking, lending, and swapping directly within the secure Ledger ecosystem. Your Ledger Live Desktop setup is now complete!
Get started with secure cryptocurrency management by downloading the official Ledger Live Desktop application for your operating system.
Ledger Live Desktop provides a unified interface for managing your hardware wallet, tracking your portfolio, and executing secure transactions with enterprise-grade security features.
Verified & Signed
Ledger hardware wallets utilize secure element chips that provide military-grade protection for your cryptocurrency assets. Your private keys never leave the device, ensuring maximum security against online threats and malware attacks.
The Ledger Live Desktop application connects to your hardware wallet through secure communication channels, allowing you to manage your assets without exposing your private keys to potential computer-based threats.
Hardware Protected
Find answers to common questions about Ledger Live Desktop setup and usage
Yes, Ledger Live Desktop is fully compatible with all current Ledger hardware wallets including Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X, and the upcoming Ledger Stax. The application provides the same core functionality across all devices, though some advanced features may be limited on older hardware due to memory constraints. All devices benefit from the same secure element technology and provide identical security guarantees for your private keys and cryptocurrency assets.
No, Ledger Live Desktop requires a Ledger hardware wallet to function properly. The application is designed specifically to work with Ledger devices and relies on the secure element technology in the hardware wallet to protect your private keys. While you can download and install the application without a device, you won't be able to create accounts, send transactions, or access most features. The hardware wallet is an essential security component that ensures your private keys never leave the secure environment of the device.
Ledger Live Desktop will automatically notify you when updates are available for both the application and your device firmware. To update the desktop application, simply follow the prompts when an update notification appears. For device firmware updates, connect your Ledger device, navigate to the Manager tab in Ledger Live Desktop, and follow the on-screen instructions. Always ensure your recovery phrase is accessible before performing firmware updates, and never interrupt an update process once it has started. Regular updates include security patches, new features, and support for additional cryptocurrencies.