Ledger Live Desktop® — Starting® Up Your Device² | Ledger™

Starting up a new hardware wallet can feel technical at first, but the process is designed to be straightforward and secure. With Ledger Live Desktop, users are guided step by step through initializing their device, verifying authenticity, and setting up a secure environment for managing digital assets. This article walks through what happens when you first launch Ledger Live Desktop and connect your device.

1. Getting Started with Ledger Live Desktop

When you first install and open Ledger Live Desktop, the application acts as the central hub for your hardware wallet. Developed by Ledger, the software is designed to work in tandem with Ledger devices to ensure private keys never leave the secure hardware environment.

Upon launch, users are typically prompted to choose between setting up a new device or restoring an existing one. If this is your first time, selecting “Set up a new device” begins the onboarding flow.

2. Connecting Your Device

After selecting the setup option, you will be instructed to connect your Ledger hardware wallet via USB or Bluetooth (depending on the model). Once connected, Ledger Live Desktop automatically detects the device and checks its authenticity. This verification step ensures that the device has not been tampered with and is running genuine firmware.

At this stage, the device screen will also prompt you to confirm actions manually. This dual-verification system—software plus physical device confirmation—forms the foundation of Ledger’s security model.

3. Initial Configuration on Device

Once connected, the device itself will guide you through initial configuration:

• Choosing a PIN code

• Confirming device setup

• Generating a recovery phrase

The recovery phrase is one of the most important components of the setup process. It is a 24-word backup key that allows you to restore your wallet if your device is lost or damaged. Ledger Live Desktop will emphasize the importance of writing this phrase down and storing it securely offline.

4. Ledger Live Desktop Syncing Process

After device initialization, Ledger Live Desktop begins synchronizing with the hardware wallet. This includes:

• Installing necessary app modules (such as Bitcoin or Ethereum apps)

• Checking firmware version and updating if required

• Syncing account information

This process ensures that the software interface accurately reflects the assets and applications supported by your device.

5. Adding Accounts

Once synchronization is complete, users can begin adding crypto accounts. Ledger Live Desktop allows you to manage multiple assets from a single interface. Each account is derived from the secure hardware wallet, meaning private keys never leave the device.

You can add accounts for different cryptocurrencies, and the software will organize them in a clear dashboard showing balances, transaction history, and portfolio distribution.

6. Security Best Practices During Startup

The startup phase is also when users are introduced to best security practices:

• Never share your recovery phrase with anyone

• Always verify on-device prompts before approving transactions

• Keep Ledger Live Desktop updated

• Use official Ledger software and firmware only

These steps are essential to maintaining a secure crypto environment.

7. Finalizing Setup

Once everything is configured, Ledger Live Desktop transitions from setup mode to dashboard mode. From here, users can send, receive, stake, and manage digital assets securely. The combination of hardware-level security and desktop interface convenience creates a balanced system for both beginners and advanced users.