Start Using Ledger® Live on Desktop — Secure Wallet App

Start using Ledger Live on desktop to manage your cryptocurrency with confidence. Ledger Live is the secure wallet app that pairs with Ledger hardware devices so your private keys remain offline while you enjoy portfolio tracking, transaction management, staking and vetted DeFi access — all from a single desktop application.

Get started — install Ledger Live and connect your device

Getting started with Ledger Live on desktop is straightforward. Follow these steps to install the Ledger Live app, connect your Ledger device and initialize your wallet securely.

Quick setup checklist

  1. Download Ledger Live: Visit the official download page and choose the right desktop installer for Windows, macOS or Linux. Always verify you are on the correct domain and using HTTPS.
  2. Install and launch: Run the installer and start Ledger Live. The app will guide you through permissions and USB access required to connect with hardware devices.
  3. Connect your Ledger device: Use a data-capable USB cable and connect the Ledger hardware wallet. Follow on-screen prompts to initialize or restore your device.
  4. Create a PIN & backup: Choose a secure PIN on the device and write down your recovery phrase on paper (or a metal backup). Store the recovery phrase offline and never share it.
  5. Add accounts: Add asset accounts (Bitcoin, Ethereum and others) in Ledger Live to begin receiving, sending and tracking balances.

These steps let you start using Ledger Live on desktop as a secure wallet app: private keys stay on the Ledger hardware and transactions require physical confirmation on the device screen.

Key features — what Ledger Live on desktop gives you

Account & portfolio management

Ledger Live provides a unified dashboard for your crypto accounts. Add supported coins and tokens to see consolidated balances, historical charts, and fiat conversions. Use export tools for transaction history if you need records for taxes or accounting.

Send & receive securely

Ledger Live orchestrates transaction construction while your Ledger device displays the address and amount for direct verification. Only after you physically confirm on the device will the signature be produced — protecting against host compromises or malware.

Staking & yield

Ledger Live supports staking flows for supported networks. When you stake via Ledger Live, private keys remain on-device: you delegate or stake through partners or native flows while signatures are confirmed on your Ledger device. Staking enables reward accrual while keeping custody secured by hardware.

DeFi & dApp access

Ledger Live integrates with vetted partners and supports connection patterns like WalletConnect for interacting with decentralized apps. Use approved flows to avoid exposing sensitive keys — Ledger Live acts as the secure control plane while the device enforces signing policies.

Security model — why Ledger Live is a secure wallet app

The security promise of Ledger Live on desktop is simple: keep private keys off the host. Ledger hardware devices generate, store and use keys inside a secure element; Ledger Live requests signatures and the device performs the cryptographic operation only after user confirmation. This model defends against a wide range of host-based attacks.

Best practices for strong security

  • Download Ledger Live only from the official download page and verify any checksums if available.
  • Never share your recovery phrase — no legitimate support agent will ever ask for it.
  • Use a strong device PIN and consider a passphrase for an additional hidden account layer.
  • Verify receiving addresses on the device screen before sending funds.
  • Keep Ledger Live and device firmware up to date to receive security patches and improvements.

Adhering to these practices makes Ledger Live on desktop a robust secure wallet app for managing and transacting crypto.

Troubleshooting & common issues

Some common setup issues are simple and resolvable quickly:

  • Device not detected: ensure the USB cable supports data, try another port, restart Ledger Live and your computer.
  • Firmware update problems: don’t unplug mid-update — follow on-screen instructions and use official recovery steps if needed.
  • Missing accounts: re-scan or add accounts manually in Ledger Live; confirm derivation path if using advanced setups.

If problems persist, consult official support resources and verified documentation rather than third-party forums to avoid outdated or unsafe advice.

Developer & advanced integrations

Developers building integrations with Ledger Live on desktop should use official SDKs and approved transport layers. For dApp or custody integrations, adopt hardware-backed signing patterns, validate device attestation, and use emulators for CI testing before connecting to production hardware. Clear UX for address verification and transaction confirmation improves user safety and reduces support friction.

// Pseudo-code: request address via approved SDK
// (illustrative only)
import LedgerSDK from 'ledger-sdk';
const ledger = new LedgerSDK({ transport: 'webusb' });
await ledger.connect();
const address = await ledger.getAddress({ path: "m/44'/0'/0'/0/0" });
console.log('Receive address:', address);

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