🔐 Ledger Live: Desktop® — Secure Crypto Management

Your complete guide to installing, setting up, and managing your crypto assets securely with Ledger Live Desktop.

📋 What You’ll Need

🌐 Step 1: Download Ledger Live

Navigate to the official Ledger website by typing https://ledger.com/start in your browser’s address bar.

Tip: Use Ctrl + L (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + L (macOS) to quickly focus the address bar, then enter the URL and press Enter.

  1. Select “Ledger Live” from the downloads page.
  2. Choose your operating system.
  3. Download and save the installer file.

Important: Always verify the website URL and SSL certificate to avoid phishing attacks.

💾 Step 2: Install Ledger Live

  1. Locate the downloaded file in your Downloads folder.
  2. Run the installer.
  3. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete installation.

After installation, launch Ledger Live. You may be prompted to grant permissions — accept to proceed.

🔌 Step 3: Connect Your Ledger Device

  1. Plug in your Ledger device via USB cable.
  2. For Ledger Nano X, optionally pair via Bluetooth (follow device instructions).
  3. Power on your device if required.

Security Tip: Never enter your recovery phrase on your computer — it belongs only on your hardware wallet.

🆕 Step 4: Initialize Ledger Live

  1. Choose “Get Started” in Ledger Live.
  2. Select if you are setting up a new device or restoring from a recovery phrase.
  3. If new, create a secure PIN on your device using its buttons (Left, Right, Both).
  4. If restoring, carefully input your 24-word recovery phrase on your device.

Ledger Live will sync with your device and check for the latest firmware.

⚙️ Step 5: Update Firmware and Ledger Live

Firmware updates keep your Ledger secure and compatible:

  1. If prompted, allow Ledger Live to update your device firmware.
  2. Follow device prompts to confirm.
  3. Also update Ledger Live whenever a new version is available.

Note: Do not disconnect your device during updates.

💡 Step 6: Install Cryptocurrency Apps

  1. In Ledger Live, navigate to the “Manager” tab.
  2. Browse or search for cryptocurrency apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.).
  3. Click “Install” next to the coins you want to manage.

Each app enables your Ledger device to interact with that blockchain securely.

💰 Step 7: Add Accounts to Ledger Live

  1. Go to the “Accounts” tab.
  2. Click “Add account”.
  3. Select the cryptocurrency app installed on your device.
  4. Follow prompts to synchronize your account balance and transaction history.

You can add multiple accounts for different coins and tokens.

📥 Step 8: Receive Cryptocurrency

  1. Choose the account you want to receive funds to.
  2. Click the “Receive” button.
  3. Ledger Live will display a deposit address.
  4. Verify this address on your Ledger device’s screen.
  5. Share the verified address with the sender.

Never trust addresses shown only on your computer — always confirm on your device.

📤 Step 9: Send Cryptocurrency

  1. Click “Send” in Ledger Live.
  2. Paste or enter the recipient’s address carefully.
  3. Input the amount and choose network fees.
  4. Review transaction details.
  5. Confirm and approve the transaction on your Ledger device.

Private keys remain on the device and never leave it during transaction signing.

🔐 Security Best Practices

⚙️ Troubleshooting and Support