Ledger Live Desktop® — secure first steps
Ledger Live Desktop® is the official desktop companion for Ledger devices that lets you check balances, send/receive crypto, stake coins and manage NFTs in one place. This page walks you through installing Ledger Live Desktop, verifying your download, connecting a Ledger hardware device, managing accounts securely, and recommended best practices to reduce risk.
Why Ledger Live Desktop® matters
Desktop wallets paired with hardware signers give you the convenience of a full-featured interface while keeping your private keys off the internet — the safest posture for self-custody. Ledger Live Desktop connects to your Ledger device to sign transactions and shows portfolio data locally. Use it to install apps to your device, update firmware, and access advanced features such as staking. Always download Ledger software from the official site and verify signatures. For official downloads and verification guidance, see Ledger's support pages and the Ledger Live signatures page. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Install & verify (step-by-step)
1) Download the Ledger Live Desktop installer for Windows, macOS or Linux from the official page. 2) Verify the checksum or signature Ledger publishes to ensure the binary is authentic before running it on your machine. Ledger publishes signature and checksum files for their releases — verifying this prevents fake installers from compromising your device. 3) Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions. The Ledger Support "Download and install Ledger Live" has the latest step-by-step installers and links. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Initial device pairing
Power on your Ledger device, set a PIN on the device (not on your computer), and either create a new recovery phrase or restore from an existing one on the device itself. Ledger Live detects your connected hardware and will guide you through "Add account" and device app installation flows. Never type your recovery phrase into Ledger Live or any app — the recovery phrase is for the hardware device only. Ledger's "Getting started" guides cover these flows in detail. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Account management & features
With Ledger Live Desktop you can:
• Add and view multiple cryptocurrency accounts; • Install blockchain apps on the device; • Send and receive assets while signing with your hardware device; • Stake certain assets inside the app; • Access Ledger Academy content and blog from the UI.
Security checklist — short & practical
• Only download Ledger Live from ledger.com. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} • Verify binary signatures/checksums before installing. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8} • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Anyone who asks for it is a scam. Recent reports highlight fake Ledger apps targeting Mac users — always verify your download source. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9} • Keep hardware firmware and Ledger Live updated; updates often include security improvements. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Troubleshooting common issues
If Ledger Live does not detect your device: check your cable, ensure the device is unlocked with PIN, quit other wallet software, and try a different USB port. If installation fails, re-verify the installer signature and re-download only from the official Ledger site. Ledger Support provides targeted troubleshooting for connection, firmware updates, and account sync problems. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Advanced tips for power users
• Use a dedicated, well-updated machine for crypto activity when possible. • Use antivirus sparingly — some AV can interfere with low-level USB drivers; prefer reputable AV and keep definitions current. • Enable any transaction protection toggles Ledger Live offers (e.g., MEV protection or other in-app protections) to limit certain attack classes. Ledger's release notes and blog explain new security features. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Resources & official links
• Official Ledger Live download & install guidance: Ledger Support — Download & Install. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• Verify Ledger Live signature: Ledger Live signatures. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
• Ledger Blog for security news & feature announcements: Ledger Blog. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• About setting up a Ledger device from Ledger: Ledger Start guide. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
Ledger Live Desktop® secure Start & Management — follow the steps above, verify downloads, protect your recovery phrase, and consult official Ledger resources when in doubt. Self-custody places responsibility on you — adopt conservative, repeatable security practices and check official sources frequently for updates.