About Ledger Live Désktop
Ledger Live Désktop combines convenience and industry-grade security. After installing the app on Windows, macOS or Linux, connect your Ledger hardware wallet and follow the in-app onboarding flow to initialize or restore an account. Ledger Live never exposes your private keys — they remain safely stored on your connected device. Use the app to install coin apps, sign transactions, and verify every critical action on-device.
Quick Setup — Install & Connect
- Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger site and verify the installer when possible.
- Install the desktop app then connect your Ledger hardware wallet via USB (or Bluetooth for supported devices).
- Follow Ledger Live’s guided flow to create a PIN, back up your recovery phrase, or restore from an existing seed.
- Install necessary coin apps and add accounts to begin viewing balances.
Always take the time to verify firmware prompts on your device and keep backups of your recovery phrase offline. Never enter your recovery seed into any computer or website.
Why Use Ledger Live
Ledger Live provides a clear separation between the display/control layer (the app) and the ultimate secret (the hardware device). This approach drastically reduces online exposure while preserving usability. The app supports staking, swapping, and portfolio tracking while enabling you to confirm all transactions directly on your Ledger device for maximum peace of mind.
Safety Tips & Best Practices
- Download exclusively from ledger.com to avoid counterfeit installers.
- Write your recovery phrase on paper or a certified metal backup — do not store it digitally.
- Test receiving and sending with small amounts before moving larger funds.
- Consider multisig and geographic backups for very large holdings.