Introduction

Ledger* Live Desktop® is a local desktop application designed to be the secure user interface for Ledger hardware wallets. It enables you to view portfolio balances, send and receive cryptocurrencies, interact with decentralized applications via approved integrations, and manage NFTs — all while keeping private keys stored on the hardware device itself. This separation ensures that signing authority never leaves the physical device, drastically reducing the attack surface compared with custodial or purely online solutions.

This presentation-style guide focuses on the essential steps to get started, common operational flows, and a practical set of security habits to adopt. The tone is instructional and pragmatic: follow the steps precisely, prioritize safety, and treat recovery material with the same seriousness as you would other irreplaceable assets.

Install & First Steps

Download and verify

Always download Ledger* Live Desktop® from the official vendor distribution channel. Avoid clicking on search-engine ads or links posted in social media messages. Before running the installer, confirm file integrity if a signature or checksum is provided by the vendor. This helps prevent tampered installers that could attempt to capture secrets.

Installation checklist

Tip: Use a dedicated machine or a clean user account if you manage high-value holdings. Minimizing background applications reduces the chance of interference during device communication.

Login & Device Connection

Connect your hardware device

Connect the Ledger hardware device via its supplied cable to a USB port. Modern devices may use USB-C; adapters are common for older laptops. Ensure the device shows its home screen before granting any permissions in the desktop application. The device display is the single trusted output — confirm prompts on-device, not on-screen.

PIN and device unlock

Unlock the hardware device by entering your PIN directly on the device keypad or touchscreen. Never enter PINs into the desktop application; the keyboard input on the local computer is untrusted. If you forget the PIN, the only recovery path is the 24-word recovery phrase.

Account synchronization

After unlocking and granting communication on-device, Ledger* Live Desktop® will synchronize your accounts, fetch balances, and build a local view of your portfolio. This process queries network nodes and indexers for transaction history — private keys remain sealed inside the hardware.

Security Fundamentals

Protecting the recovery phrase

The 24-word recovery phrase is the final authority for restoring funds. Write it on a physical backup card or more robust metal backup. Never store the recovery phrase as a photograph, text note, or cloud backup. If an attacker obtains your recovery phrase, they can reconstruct your private keys and drain accounts.

Update policy

Keep both your desktop app and device firmware updated. Ledger publishes updates to the device operating system and desktop software to add support for new blockchains, improve performance, and patch issues. Apply updates only from official sources and follow vendor instructions for firmware upgrades, which often require physical confirmation on the device.

Transaction verification

Every transaction must be verified on-device. Check recipient addresses, amounts, and fee settings on the device's display. The device's screen is the last point of authority; if details differ between the desktop preview and the device display, do not approve the transaction.

Daily Usage: Send, Receive & Portfolio

Receiving funds

To receive, generate a receiving address from Ledger* Live Desktop® for the chosen account. Confirm the address on the hardware device before sharing. Reuse of addresses is generally discouraged in many cryptocurrencies — prefer fresh addresses for privacy when possible.

Sending funds

Compose a transaction inside the app, review gas or fee estimates, and confirm the whole operation on the device. For new counterparties, consider a small test transfer first. For high-value transfers, double-check addresses externally and use copy-paste caution — prefer scanning QR codes where available.

Portfolio insights

Ledger* Live Desktop® includes a portfolio dashboard to view aggregated asset values, historical performance, and transaction summaries. Use these insights for bookkeeping, tax planning, or to monitor strategies, but do not confuse the dashboard with custody — your device holds the keys.

NFT Management & Considerations

The desktop app can list and display supported NFTs associated with your accounts. Metadata and previews rely on third-party indexing services; ownership should always be verified on-chain. When transferring NFTs, confirm token IDs and contract addresses and be mindful of marketplace fees or royalties enforced by contracts.

Advanced Topics

dApp integrations

Ledger* Live Desktop® supports connecting to decentralized applications via secure flows. Always verify request details on-device, and prefer one-off connections with clear intents. Disconnect or revoke permissions when no longer used.

Multi-account strategy

Use multiple accounts to segment assets by purpose: long-term storage, active trading, or staking. Label accounts clearly in the desktop app. Consider multisignature setups for institutional-level security.

FAQ & Final Tips

What if I lose my device?

If you lose your hardware device but have the recovery phrase, you can restore accounts on a new compatible device. If you lose both the device and recovery phrase, funds are unrecoverable.

Can I use Ledger* Live Desktop® on multiple machines?

Yes — you can install the desktop app on multiple machines. However, exercise caution: only connect your hardware device to trusted systems. Avoid installing on publicly shared or untrusted computers.

Final tip: Treat your recovery phrase like cash in a safe — physical, redundant, and inaccessible to strangers.