Ledger Live Desktop® — Secure Crypto Management Platform®

Why Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is Ledger's official local application for managing hardware wallets. It offers a secure UX where private keys remain inside your Ledger device while Ledger Live builds transactions, shows balances, and connects to the network. Desktop installs provide improved reliability, better performance, and access to advanced features compared to mobile or web interfaces.

Who should use it?

• Users who prefer a robust desktop experience for portfolio tracking and transaction history.
• Power users who manage multiple accounts, stake assets, or interact with third‑party apps.
• Teams and institutions that require consistent local access and stronger session controls.

Install & verify Ledger Live Desktop

Start by downloading Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website. Verifying the installer adds a valuable layer of supply‑chain security.

Steps

1. Visit ledger.com/start and choose the Desktop download for your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux).
2. Verify checksums or PGP signatures when available; keep a copy of the checksum source for auditability.
3. Install and create a local profile when prompted. Ledger Live stores UI preferences and an encrypted cache locally — it does not store your seed.

Do not install Ledger Live from third‑party mirrors or links received by email. Phishing websites often mimic official pages.

Pairing & onboarding — secure first run

Pairing your Ledger device with Ledger Live is not a 'login' in the traditional sense: the ledger device + PIN (and optional passphrase) are your credentials. Follow these onboarding steps.

Onboarding flow

1. Connect your Ledger device via the official USB cable and power it on.
2. Select "Set up as new device" or "Restore from recovery phrase" on the device while following Ledger Live prompts.
3. Create a strong PIN on‑device and securely write down the recovery phrase when prompted (never store digitally).
4. Allow Ledger Live to detect the device and complete initial sync for account balances.

Tip: Complete initial setup in a private environment and avoid public or shared computers.

Accounts & Manager — enabling assets

Ledger Manager installs blockchain-specific apps on your device to enable account support. Accounts in Ledger Live reflect addresses derived from your recovery phrase.

Installing apps

1. Go to "Manager" in Ledger Live with your device connected and unlocked.
2. Install the apps for the chains you intend to use (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.).
3. After installing, use "Add account" to scan and add addresses tied to your seed for each asset.

Space on device is limited; remove unused apps and reinstall them later as needed — fund access is preserved by your recovery phrase.

Send & receive — secure transaction patterns

Receive safely

1. In Ledger Live, open the account and click "Receive" to generate an address.
2. Verify the address on your Ledger device screen matches the address shown in Ledger Live before sharing.

Send securely

1. Create a transaction in Ledger Live and paste or scan the recipient address.
2. Review amounts and fees in Ledger Live, then confirm the full transaction summary on your device — only the device can sign.

Always confirm addresses and amounts on the device to avoid host-side manipulation or clipboard malware.

Staking, delegation & DeFi interactions

Ledger Live supports staking for multiple Proof-of-Stake networks and integrates safely with third-party dApps for DeFi. Understand the protocol mechanics before staking.

Using staking features

1. Ensure your asset supports staking in Ledger Live and add the relevant account.
2. Choose a validator after researching performance, commission, and slashing history.
3. Confirm delegation on-device and monitor rewards/unbonding schedules in Ledger Live.

DeFi and staking introduce protocol and counterparty risks. Use audited validators and keep exposure within risk tolerance.

Firmware updates & supply‑chain integrity

Firmware keeps devices secure. Ledger signs firmware releases; Ledger Live handles update distribution. Confirming authenticity prevents malicious firmware attacks.

Safe update checklist

1. Read firmware release notes and confirm expected changes.
2. Update via Ledger Live while the device is connected and follow on-screen device verification prompts.
3. Do not interrupt the update. If an update fails, reconnect and follow recovery procedures in Ledger Live or contact support.

If you encounter unexpected firmware prompts or mismatched fingerprints, pause and verify on official channels before proceeding.

Security best practices & enterprise guidance

Secure practices reduce risk significantly. Below distilled practices are suitable for both personal and institutional users.

Personal security checklist

• Buy devices only from official or authorized resellers.
• Protect recovery phrase offline (multiple copies, metal plates, separated locations).
• Use a strong PIN and consider passphrase-protected hidden wallets if you can manage them.
• Verify receive addresses on-device and confirm transactions every time.

Institutional considerations

• Use multisignature wallets for high-value custody to split trust across signers.
• Document recovery procedures and rotate keys according to policy.
• Consider air‑gapped signing for extra security during critical operations.
• Train staff on phishing risks and never allow seed disclosure to support or third parties.

Troubleshooting & incident response

Common issues

• Device not detected: try original cable and different USB port; avoid hubs. Restart Ledger Live.
• App install fails: update Ledger Live and firmware, then retry via Manager.
• Firmware update interrupted: reconnect the device and follow recovery steps; contact support if needed.

Incident response

1. If you suspect seed exposure, generate a new seed on a verified device and transfer funds immediately.
2. For suspected device tampering, stop using the device and contact official support; restore funds to a new device if possible.
3. Keep logs of device serial numbers, firmware versions, and actions for audits.