Ledger Live Desktop — How to Download, Install, and Manage Your Ledger Wallet

Learn everything about Ledger Live Desktop: downloading the app, connecting your Ledger device, adding accounts, securing your funds, and troubleshooting common issues for safe and effective wallet management.

What is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the official desktop application for Ledger hardware wallets, available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It allows users to manage multiple cryptocurrency accounts, monitor balances, send and receive coins, and update Ledger device firmware securely.

Preparing for Ledger Live Desktop

Download Ledger Live Desktop only from the official Ledger website to ensure safety.
Have your Ledger device and PIN ready for secure connection.
Keep your 24-word recovery phrase offline and private; Ledger will never request it online.
Ensure your computer is secure, updated, and free from malware before installing Ledger Live Desktop.

Step-by-Step Ledger Live Desktop Setup

Follow these steps to set up and use Ledger Live Desktop:

Visit the official Ledger website and download Ledger Live Desktop for your operating system.
Install the application and launch it. Select “Get Started” for first-time setup.
Choose to initialize as a new device or restore from an existing recovery phrase.
Connect your Ledger hardware wallet via USB and enter your PIN to authenticate.
Follow prompts to install apps for your supported cryptocurrencies on the Ledger device.
Add your accounts in Ledger Live Desktop to monitor balances and perform transactions securely.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Device not recognized: Check USB connection, restart Ledger Live Desktop, and update firmware.
Ledger Live Desktop errors: Make sure the app is downloaded from the official source and is updated to the latest version.
Recovery phrase issues: Verify your 24-word phrase offline if restoring your device; never input it online.

Security Best Practices for Ledger Live Desktop

Never share your 24-word recovery phrase or input it online — Ledger Live Desktop never requests it.
Always verify the official Ledger website before downloading Ledger Live Desktop.
Keep Ledger device firmware and Ledger Live Desktop updated to protect against vulnerabilities.
Use a private and secure computer for transactions and wallet management.

FAQ — Ledger Live Desktop

Q: Can I use Ledger Live Desktop without a Ledger hardware wallet?
A: No, Ledger Live Desktop requires a Ledger hardware device for secure access to your funds.

Q: Does Ledger Live Desktop store my recovery phrase?
A: No, your 24-word recovery phrase is never stored by Ledger Live Desktop and must remain offline and private.