Ledger Live Desktop – Getting Started

Welcome to Ledger Live Desktop! This guide will walk you through everything from installing the software to sending your first transaction, using your Ledger hardware device safely, and managing your crypto assets—all with emphasis on strong security practices. Estimated time: 15–25 minutes.

1. What You’ll Need

2. Security First — Before You Begin

3. Download & Install Ledger Live Desktop

  1. Go to ledger.com/start to find the correct download for your operating system. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
  2. Choose the version for your system (Windows, macOS, Linux). Download the installer or app package. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
  3. Run the installer. Grant permissions if prompted. After installation, open the app. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

4. Set Up or Restore Your Ledger Device

  1. Start Ledger Live. On the welcome screen, choose either:
  2. Choose your Ledger model when prompted. Connect via USB (or Bluetooth if applicable). :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
  3. Create a PIN on the device. Use something not easily guessable. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
  4. Generate your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger Live will display words one by one on the device screen. Write each down *exactly*, in order. Double-check spelling. Confirm the phrase when prompted. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
  5. Store the recovery phrase in a safe, offline place. Some users make two physical copies in different secure locations. Never take a photo, never store it in cloud or digital files. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Tip: If someone asks you for your 24‑word phrase, it's a *scam*. Ledger will never ask for it. Always verify you are using official software and hardware. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

5. Verify Device Authenticity (Genuine Check)

Once the device is connected, Ledger Live will prompt you to verify that your device is genuine.

6. Install Apps & Add Crypto Accounts

  1. Go to the **Manager** section in Ledger Live. Here you can install blockchain-specific apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). These apps allow your device to understand and work with that blockchain. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
  2. After installing the app(s) you need, go to **Accounts → Add Account**. Select the coin / network you want to add, then follow prompts. Ledger Live will derive the addresses and synchronize transaction history. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
  3. Name your accounts meaningfully (e.g., “BTC – Savings”, “ETH – Trading”) so you can easily identify them. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

7. Receive & Send Crypto — First Transactions

  1. Receive:
  2. Send:

8. Managing Firmware, Updates & Apps

9. Exploring Additional Features

Once basic setup is done, you can begin using more advanced or convenience features:

10. Best Practices / Tips

11. Troubleshooting & FAQs

12. Final Checklist & What Next

  1. Ledger Live installed from the official site, and verified.
  2. Device initialized: PIN set, recovery phrase recorded and stored securely.
  3. Genuine check passed.
  4. Ledger Live Desktop | Getting Started Guide

    Ledger Live Desktop – Getting Started

    Welcome to Ledger Live Desktop! This guide will walk you through everything from installing the software to sending your first transaction, using your Ledger hardware device safely, and managing your crypto assets—all with emphasis on strong security practices. Estimated time: 15–25 minutes.

    1. What You’ll Need

    2. Security First — Before You Begin

    3. Download & Install Ledger Live Desktop

    1. Go to ledger.com/start to find the correct download for your operating system. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
    2. Choose the version for your system (Windows, macOS, Linux). Download the installer or app package. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
    3. Run the installer. Grant permissions if prompted. After installation, open the app. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

    4. Set Up or Restore Your Ledger Device

    1. Start Ledger Live. On the welcome screen, choose either:
      • Set up as a new device — if this is your first time using the device. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
      • Restore from recovery phrase — if you already have a 24‑word phrase and want to restore access. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
    2. Choose your Ledger model when prompted. Connect via USB (or Bluetooth if applicable). :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
    3. Create a PIN on the device. Use something not easily guessable. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
    4. Generate your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger Live will display words one by one on the device screen. Write each down *exactly*, in order. Double-check spelling. Confirm the phrase when prompted. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
    5. Store the recovery phrase in a safe, offline place. Some users make two physical copies in different secure locations. Never take a photo, never store it in cloud or digital files. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
    Tip: If someone asks you for your 24‑word phrase, it's a *scam*. Ledger will never ask for it. Always verify you are using official software and hardware. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

    5. Verify Device Authenticity (Genuine Check)

    Once the device is connected, Ledger Live will prompt you to verify that your device is genuine.

    6. Install Apps & Add Crypto Accounts

    1. Go to the **Manager** section in Ledger Live. Here you can install blockchain-specific apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). These apps allow your device to understand and work with that blockchain. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
    2. After installing the app(s) you need, go to **Accounts → Add Account**. Select the coin / network you want to add, then follow prompts. Ledger Live will derive the addresses and synchronize transaction history. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
    3. Name your accounts meaningfully (e.g., “BTC – Savings”, “ETH – Trading”) so you can easily identify them. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

    7. Receive & Send Crypto — First Transactions

    1. Receive:
      • Select the account you want to receive into.
      • Click “Receive”. Ledger Live will show an address.
      • Confirm that address on your Ledger device screen—compare carefully with what’s shown on your computer. Always trust the device’s display. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
      • Send a small test amount first to verify everything works. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
    2. Send:
      • Click “Send” in Ledger Live.
      • Enter recipient address, amount, optional memo or notes if required.
      • Review the transaction details carefully on the computer AND the Ledger device screen before approving. Especially check recipient address, asset, amount, and network fees. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
      • Approve on the device only if everything looks correct. Transactions must be confirmed on the hardware for safety. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

    8. Managing Firmware, Updates & Apps

    9. Exploring Additional Features

    Once basic setup is done, you can begin using more advanced or convenience features:

    10. Best Practices / Tips

    11. Troubleshooting & FAQs

    12. Final Checklist & What Next

    1. Ledger Live installed from the official site, and verified.
    2. Device initialized: PIN set, recovery phrase recorded and stored securely.
    3. Genuine check passed.
    4. At least one account added and synchronized.
    5. Performed a small “receive” transaction successfully.
    6. Performed a small “send” transaction successfully.
    7. Firmware & installed apps are updated.
    8. Backups are safe and offline.

    Now you are ready to manage your crypto with confidence. Use Ledger Live Desktop wisely—always trust what your device shows. If you run into any issues, consult the official Ledger Support site or community forums.

    References

    Ledger Live Desktop | Getting Started Guide

    Ledger Live Desktop – Getting Started

    Welcome to Ledger Live Desktop! This guide will walk you through everything from installing the software to sending your first transaction, using your Ledger hardware device safely, and managing your crypto assets—all with emphasis on strong security practices. Estimated time: 15–25 minutes.

    1. What You’ll Need

    2. Security First — Before You Begin

    3. Download & Install Ledger Live Desktop

    1. Go to ledger.com/start to find the correct download for your operating system. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
    2. Choose the version for your system (Windows, macOS, Linux). Download the installer or app package. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
    3. Run the installer. Grant permissions if prompted. After installation, open the app. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

    4. Set Up or Restore Your Ledger Device

    1. Start Ledger Live. On the welcome screen, choose either:
      • Set up as a new device — if this is your first time using the device. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
      • Restore from recovery phrase — if you already have a 24‑word phrase and want to restore access. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
    2. Choose your Ledger model when prompted. Connect via USB (or Bluetooth if applicable). :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
    3. Create a PIN on the device. Use something not easily guessable. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
    4. Generate your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger Live will display words one by one on the device screen. Write each down *exactly*, in order. Double-check spelling. Confirm the phrase when prompted. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
    5. Store the recovery phrase in a safe, offline place. Some users make two physical copies in different secure locations. Never take a photo, never store it in cloud or digital files. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
    Tip: If someone asks you for your 24‑word phrase, it's a *scam*. Ledger will never ask for it. Always verify you are using official software and hardware. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

    5. Verify Device Authenticity (Genuine Check)

    Once the device is connected, Ledger Live will prompt you to verify that your device is genuine.

    6. Install Apps & Add Crypto Accounts

    1. Go to the **Manager** section in Ledger Live. Here you can install blockchain-specific apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). These apps allow your device to understand and work with that blockchain. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
    2. After installing the app(s) you need, go to **Accounts → Add Account**. Select the coin / network you want to add, then follow prompts. Ledger Live will derive the addresses and synchronize transaction history. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
    3. Name your accounts meaningfully (e.g., “BTC – Savings”, “ETH – Trading”) so you can easily identify them. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

    7. Receive & Send Crypto — First Transactions

    1. Receive:
      • Select the account you want to receive into.
      • Click “Receive”. Ledger Live will show an address.
      • Confirm that address on your Ledger device screen—compare carefully with what’s shown on your computer. Always trust the device’s display. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
      • Send a small test amount first to verify everything works. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
    2. Send:
      • Click “Send” in Ledger Live.
      • Enter recipient address, amount, optional memo or notes if required.
      • Review the transaction details carefully on the computer AND the Ledger device screen before approving. Especially check recipient address, asset, amount, and network fees. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
      • Approve on the device only if everything looks correct. Transactions must be confirmed on the hardware for safety. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

    8. Managing Firmware, Updates & Apps

    9. Exploring Additional Features

    Once basic setup is done, you can begin using more advanced or convenience features:

    10. Best Practices / Tips

    11. Troubleshooting & FAQs

    12. Final Checklist & What Next

    1. Ledger Live installed from the official site, and verified.
    2. Device initialized: PIN set, recovery phrase recorded and stored securely.
    3. Genuine check passed.
    4. At least one account added and synchronized.
    5. Performed a small “receive” transaction successfully.
    6. Performed a small “send” transaction successfully.
    7. Firmware & installed apps are updated.
    8. Backups are safe and offline.

    Now you are ready to manage your crypto with confidence. Use Ledger Live Desktop wisely—always trust what your device shows. If you run into any issues, consult the official Ledger Support site or community forums.

    References

  5. At least one account added and synchronized.
  6. Performed a small “receive” transaction successfully.
  7. Performed a small “send” transaction successfully.
  8. Firmware & installed apps are updated.
  9. Backups are safe and offline.

Now you are ready to manage your crypto with confidence. Use Ledger Live Desktop wisely—always trust what your device shows. If you run into any issues, consult the official Ledger Support site or community forums.

References