A practical desktop-focused guide to install Ledger® Live: Desktop®, pair your Ledger hardware device, add accounts, send & receive crypto, update firmware, and follow security best practices for desktop use.
Overview
Ledger® Live: Desktop® is the official desktop application that interfaces with Ledger hardware wallets (Nano S Plus, Nano X, and legacy models). Ledger Live gives you a local interface to view portfolio balances, add accounts, prepare transactions, and sign them securely on your hardware device. The key security model: your private keys stay on the Ledger device; Ledger Live prepares transactions and the device's screen is the trusted source to confirm details.
This guide focuses on desktop specifics — USB connection, install quirks, and OS-level permissions — while preserving the general security principles of hardware wallets.
Requirements & what to prepare
A supported Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.).
A personal desktop computer running a supported OS (Windows 10/11, recent macOS, or Linux).
A high-quality USB cable (avoid cheap or damaged cables) and a free USB port.
An internet connection to download Ledger Live and to broadcast transactions.
Pen and the recovery sheet that ships with your Ledger device, or a metal backup solution.
Security tip: Prepare a quiet private place to write your recovery phrase; never store it digitally or in the cloud.
Download & install Ledger Live Desktop®
Open your browser and manually type the official Ledger download/start URL to avoid phishing websites.
Select the correct installer for your OS (.exe, .dmg, or AppImage/package).
Optionally verify the download with a checksum or digital signature if provided.
Run the installer and follow the OS prompts. On macOS you may need to allow the app in System Preferences → Security & Privacy the first time you open it.
If you receive the installer via an email or a link shared publicly, verify the source first. Phishing sites often mimic Ledger branding to distribute fake installers.
Device setup — new device or restore
You can initialize your Ledger device as a new wallet or restore a wallet from an existing recovery phrase. All sensitive seed entry is done directly on the hardware device.
Creating a new wallet
Power on the Ledger device and choose Create a new device.
Pick a PIN (follow device instructions). Use a PIN you can remember but that is not easily guessable.
Write down the recovery phrase exactly as shown on the recovery sheet provided. Store it offline in a secure location.
Restoring a wallet
Select Restore from recovery phrase on the device and enter the words using the hardware controls.
After restore completes, the device will derive the same accounts and keys; Ledger Live will detect them when connected.
Never type or photograph your recovery phrase on a computer or phone. If anyone asks for your phrase, it is a scam.
Connect Ledger Live Desktop® to your device
Launch Ledger Live on your desktop and select Add device or follow the onboarding prompts.
Connect the Ledger device to the computer via USB and unlock it by entering your PIN on-device.
When Ledger Live requests permission (for example to access the Ledger Manager), confirm the prompt on your hardware device.
Open the appropriate blockchain app on the device (e.g., Bitcoin) before Ledger Live attempts to add accounts for that currency.
If the application doesn't detect the device, try another USB cable or port, avoid USB hubs, and make sure the device is unlocked before opening Ledger Live.
Add & manage accounts
In Ledger Live click Accounts → Add account.
Select the currency you want to add and follow prompts — you will open the corresponding app on your Ledger device when requested.
Ledger Live will scan and list accounts derived from your device seed. Name them for clarity (e.g., “BTC — Cold Storage”).
You can add many accounts for the same currency to separate funds. Accounts are re-derived from your seed — uninstalling Ledger Live does not delete your funds.
Receive & send — always verify on-device
Receiving
Select an account and click Receive.
Ledger Live displays a receiving address and your Ledger device will show the same address on its screen.
Verify that the address shown in Ledger Live matches the address on your device before sharing it.
Sending
Click Send, enter the recipient address and amount in Ledger Live.
Review the transaction details in the app and continue. The unsigned transaction is sent to the device for signing.
On the Ledger device, carefully review recipient address, amount, and fee. Confirm on-device to sign.
Ledger Live broadcasts the signed transaction and shows its pending/confirmed status.
Clipboard or host malware can alter addresses. The device screen is the only fully trusted display — always verify there.
Firmware updates & app management
Use Ledger Live's Manager to update device firmware and install or remove blockchain apps. Firmware updates fix security issues and occasionally add functionality. App installation enables support for different blockchains.
Open Manager in Ledger Live. If a firmware update is available, follow the on-screen instructions and confirm on-device.
Install or remove blockchain apps as needed. Removing an app does not delete accounts — they can be re-derived after reinstalling the app.
Never reveal your recovery phrase during updates. Official updates never ask for it.
Desktop security best practices
Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website; bookmark it after manual verification.
Use a personal, updated computer with security software and minimize risky browser extensions.
Store your recovery phrase offline — consider a metal backup for fire/water resistance.
Always verify addresses and transaction details on the device screen before approving.
Be cautious with third-party apps and dApps — review what's being requested when signing messages or transactions.
Optional: a passphrase adds a hidden wallet layer but increases recovery complexity — only use if you fully understand it.
Troubleshooting & FAQ
Ledger Live doesn't detect my device.
Try a different cable/port, avoid USB hubs, unlock the device before launching Ledger Live, and on Linux ensure udev rules are installed.
Firmware update failed.
Reconnect the device, restart Ledger Live, and retry. If the device becomes unresponsive, follow Ledger's official recovery instructions.
Lost device — can I recover funds?
If you have your recovery phrase you can restore on a new Ledger or compatible wallet. Without the phrase, funds cannot be recovered.
When contacting support, only use official Ledger support channels and never share your recovery phrase.
Final checklist before going live
Downloaded Ledger Live Desktop® from the official site and installed it.
Initialized device with a PIN and recorded recovery phrase offline.
Added accounts and completed a small test receive and send.
Updated firmware and installed needed blockchain apps via Manager.
Followed desktop security practices and stored recovery backups securely.