Introduction
Welcome to Ledger® Live Desktop, the official application to manage your Ledger hardware wallets securely. This guide will help you get started, from installation to managing your assets safely. Ledger Live Desktop is compatible with Windows®, macOS®, and Linux®, providing a robust, cross-platform solution.
By following this guide, you’ll understand:
- How to install Ledger Live Desktop
- Initial setup and wallet configuration
- Security best practices
- Exploring key features like sending, receiving, and staking assets
For advanced topics, see our Features Section.
Installation
Ledger Live Desktop can be installed directly from the official Ledger website. Choose the version that matches your operating system:
- Windows 10 / 11 (.exe)
- macOS (.dmg)
- Linux (.AppImage)
Follow these steps to complete installation:
- Download the application from the official source.
- Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Launch Ledger Live Desktop after installation.
- Ensure your Ledger hardware wallet is connected securely.
For troubleshooting, visit the Support Section.
Initial Setup
Once Ledger Live Desktop is installed, the next step is setting up your device and accounts:
- Connect your Ledger hardware wallet using the provided USB cable.
- Follow the prompts to unlock your device.
- Create or restore accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other supported cryptocurrencies.
- Ledger Live will synchronize with the blockchain to update balances.
Remember to back up your 24-word recovery phrase safely. This is crucial for wallet recovery.
Learn more about keeping your assets safe in the Security Section.
Security Best Practices
Ledger Live Desktop emphasizes security, but user practices are essential. Here’s how to keep your crypto safe:
- Never share your recovery phrase or PIN with anyone.
- Keep your Ledger device firmware updated.
- Use official Ledger Live Desktop downloads only.
- Enable passcode and auto-lock features.
For more information, visit Ledger Security Guidelines.
Key Features
Ledger Live Desktop comes with a variety of features to manage your digital assets efficiently:
- Send and receive cryptocurrencies securely
- Portfolio overview with real-time balance tracking
- Staking for supported assets to earn rewards
- Buy, swap, and exchange assets directly in the app
- Manage multiple accounts and cryptocurrencies
To explore advanced options, check the Support Section for tutorials.
Support & Resources
If you encounter issues or need guidance, Ledger provides multiple support resources:
- Official Ledger Support
- Ledger Live Downloads
- Ledger Academy
- Community forums and tutorials
Contact support directly if you face technical issues with Ledger Live Desktop.