The safe, simple way to manage your cryptocurrencies from your desktop. This guide covers installation, setup, daily use, and essential security practices for Ledger Live Desktop.
No accounts. No cloud custody. You control your keys.
Private keys remain on your hardware device. Ledger Live Desktop acts as a secure interface — not a custodian.
Manage Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many other assets and tokens in one place with clear balance and portfolio views.
Connect to dapps and swap services while confirming every operation on your device for protection against fraud.
Always download Ledger Live Desktop from an official source. Verify the installer checksums or signatures if provided by the vendor before running the installer. This reduces risk of tampered binaries.
Run the installer and launch Ledger Live Desktop. The app will walk you through first-time setup prompts and will prompt to connect a Ledger hardware device if available.
If you have a new hardware device: create a new device passphrase and recovery phrase only on the device screen. NEVER enter your recovery phrase on a computer. Write your recovery seed on the provided recovery sheet and store it offline and secure.
In Ledger Live Desktop, go to Accounts → Add account and follow the steps. The app will derive addresses from the device; you can view and verify addresses directly on your hardware device.
When receiving funds, always verify the receive address displayed in Ledger Live Desktop on your hardware device screen. When sending, confirm the amount and recipient on the device before finalizing the transaction.
Keep your recovery sheet offline in one or more secure locations (safe deposit box, personal safe). Never store your recovery phrase digitally (photos, cloud, notes apps).
Articles, tips, and deep dives to help you manage crypto securely with Ledger Live Desktop.
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Read articleThis guide helps you install Ledger Live Desktop, initialize or restore a hardware device, add accounts, and perform your first transaction — all while keeping keys offline and secure.
Keep software, firmware, and recovery information up-to-date and secure. Treat your recovery phrase as the true master key — protect it accordingly.
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