Ledger® Live: Desktop® — Getting started with Ledger®

Ledger® Live (Desktop) is the official companion software for your Ledger hardware wallet. This guide provides a structured introduction to installing, setting up, and confidently using the application. With clear steps and tips, you will understand how to connect your device, add accounts, send and receive assets, and keep everything secure. The information below runs through a complete onboarding experience and is written to be clear, practical, and approximately six hundred words long.

1. Installing Ledger® Live

Begin by downloading the latest version of Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Choose the installer suitable for your operating system — Windows, macOS, or Linux. After the file downloads, run the installer and follow the prompts. The installation process takes only a few minutes and results in a ready-to-launch application icon on your desktop. Opening the application for the first time, you will be welcomed by a clean dashboard view, designed to guide you into setup quickly.

2. Setting up your Ledger device

If you are unboxing a new Ledger hardware wallet, follow the instructions on its screen. You will be asked to choose a secure PIN code and write down a twenty-four word recovery phrase. This phrase is the master key to your assets, and it must remain offline at all times. If you are reconnecting an existing device, simply connect it via USB and enter your PIN to unlock. In both cases, ensure that your computer is free of malware and that you only use the original USB cable supplied with your Ledger.

3. Navigating the Ledger® Live interface

The Ledger Live desktop dashboard is divided into clear sections. On the left navigation pane you will find options for Accounts, Portfolio, Send, Receive, and Settings. The main area of the screen changes depending on the selected section. This modular design helps you focus on one task at a time without distractions. Within a few minutes of clicking around, you will notice that the interface is both modern and straightforward.

4. Adding accounts

Accounts represent the specific cryptocurrencies you want to manage. To add one, click the Accounts tab, then select Add account. Choose the asset, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, and follow the prompts. Your Ledger device will ask you to confirm details, ensuring that the account derives securely from your hardware wallet. Once complete, the new account will appear on the dashboard with its balance and transaction history.

Organizing accounts effectively

• Rename accounts based on purpose, e.g., long-term savings or active trading.
• Use groups to separate family of assets for quick navigation.
• Check the portfolio overview to monitor total value in real time.

5. Sending and receiving assets

Receiving assets is simple. Open the account of your choice, click Receive, and verify the address displayed on your device. Share this address with the sender only after confirming it matches. To send assets, select Send, fill in the recipient’s address and amount, and approve the transaction physically on your Ledger device. This hardware confirmation step ensures that no malicious software can move funds without your consent.

6. Staying secure and updated

Ledger regularly publishes updates for both the Ledger Live application and the device firmware. These updates enhance security and add support for new digital assets. Always update from official sources, and avoid downloading from third-party websites. Before each update, confirm that your recovery phrase is stored safely. The update process itself is straightforward and guided within the application.

With Ledger Live now installed and your device connected, you have full control over your crypto journey. The combination of secure hardware and reliable software provides a strong foundation for managing digital wealth. From monitoring your portfolio to executing secure transactions, every feature has been designed with simplicity and safety in mind.