Ledger Live Desktop® | Secure Crypto Device®

Welcome to the official getting started guide for Ledger Live Desktop® and your Secure Crypto Device®. Whether you're a seasoned crypto holder or new to digital assets, this guide will walk you through every essential step — from setup and security to advanced functionality.

Important: This guide is for Ledger Live on desktop platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux). For mobile guidance, refer to the official Ledger support site at ledger.com.

1. Introduction: What Is Ledger Live Desktop®?

Ledger Live Desktop is a secure desktop application that connects directly with your Ledger hardware wallet. It allows users to manage, monitor, send, receive, and stake crypto assets — all while keeping private keys isolated inside the hardware device.

Unlike traditional software wallets, Ledger Live never stores your keys on the computer or cloud. Instead, transactions are signed offline by the Secure Crypto Device® — a tamper-proof piece of hardware that ensures your assets stay safe even on compromised machines.

2. Why Use a Secure Crypto Device®?

Private keys are the cornerstone of crypto ownership. If they’re exposed, your funds can be stolen instantly. The Secure Crypto Device® protects your keys inside an isolated secure element chip, physically separated from the internet and apps.

3. System Requirements

Before you begin, ensure your system meets the minimum requirements:

4. Download and Install Ledger Live

  1. Visit the official Ledger site: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live
  2. Download the version matching your OS
  3. Run the installer and follow the setup instructions
  4. Open the app and connect your Ledger device

The installer is signed by Ledger SAS — always verify publisher signatures before installing software.

5. Initialize or Restore Your Device

If you're using your device for the first time:

If restoring an old wallet:

NEVER type your recovery phrase into any computer or website. It's the only way to recover your wallet — treat it like a master key.

6. Perform Genuine Check

Ledger Live will automatically verify your Secure Crypto Device® by checking its authenticity via cryptographic attestation. This ensures it’s not a counterfeit or tampered device.

Steps:

7. Install Blockchain Apps

Your device needs apps to manage different coins. For example, Bitcoin and Ethereum are separate apps. Install them using Ledger Live:

  1. Go to “My Ledger”
  2. Search for desired app (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana)
  3. Click “Install”

You can uninstall/reinstall apps anytime — it won’t erase your funds.

8. Add Crypto Accounts

After installing apps, add accounts to view balances and manage assets:

9. Receiving Crypto

To receive assets securely:

  1. Select the correct account
  2. Click “Receive”
  3. Ledger Live will display an address and prompt the device to show the same
  4. Only use the address shown on the Secure Device screen
Always cross-check the receive address on your device before sharing it. Avoid copying from clipboard alone — malware may tamper with it.

10. Sending Crypto

To send assets:

  1. Click “Send”
  2. Enter recipient’s address, amount, and fee preferences
  3. Confirm transaction on your Secure Device screen
  4. Approve it manually via the buttons

This two-step signing process ensures malicious apps can’t authorize transfers without physical approval.

11. Portfolio Management

Ledger Live provides real-time value tracking, charts, and historical data. It supports:

12. Earning with Staking

You can stake assets directly through Ledger Live and earn passive rewards. Supported assets include: