Ledger Live Desktop® — Starting Up Your Device | Ledger

Getting started with your Ledger Live Desktop® is a simple and secure way to manage your cryptocurrency assets. Designed for both beginners and experienced users, Ledger Live Desktop ensures that your digital funds remain safe while giving you full control over your wallets, transactions, and portfolio. This guide will walk you through the initial setup and help you make the most of your Ledger device.

Step 1: Download and Install Ledger Live Desktop

To begin, download the official Ledger Live Desktop application from the Ledger website. Ensure you select the correct version for your operating system—Windows, macOS, or Linux. Once downloaded, follow the on-screen instructions to install the app. Installation is straightforward, and the software is digitally signed to guarantee authenticity, protecting you from malicious versions.

Tip: Always make sure you are downloading from the official source to keep your crypto assets secure.

Step 2: Connect Your Ledger Device

After installation, connect your Ledger hardware wallet to your computer using the provided USB cable. Turn on the device and follow the prompts to enter your PIN code. Your Ledger device works seamlessly with Ledger Live Desktop, allowing you to manage multiple accounts and cryptocurrencies safely.

During this stage, the app may prompt you to update your device firmware. Keeping your device updated ensures access to the latest features and security enhancements.

Step 3: Set Up Your Accounts

With your device connected, open Ledger Live Desktop and navigate to the "Accounts" section. Here, you can add new cryptocurrency accounts by selecting the supported blockchain of your choice. Ledger Live Desktop supports a wide range of digital assets including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many ERC-20 tokens. Each account is securely linked to your hardware wallet, ensuring private keys never leave the device.

Adding accounts is as simple as selecting your asset, following the instructions on both Ledger Live Desktop and your device, and confirming the account setup. Once complete, your portfolio overview will display all balances and recent transactions in real time.

Step 4: Explore Ledger Live Desktop Features

Ledger Live Desktop is more than just a wallet interface. You can manage your portfolio, receive and send funds, stake supported cryptocurrencies, and check real-time market data. The “Manager” tab allows you to install and uninstall apps on your Ledger device securely. Additionally, Ledger Live Desktop provides built-in security alerts and guidance to protect your crypto investments.

For added convenience, you can also connect multiple Ledger devices to Ledger Live Desktop and manage all your assets from a single interface, making it a powerful tool for both personal and professional cryptocurrency management.

Step 5: Stay Secure

Security is at the core of Ledger Live Desktop. Always verify the recipient address on your Ledger device screen before confirming transactions. Never share your recovery phrase, and store it offline in a safe place. Following these simple steps ensures that your cryptocurrency remains protected against phishing and other cyber threats.