Welcome to the official guide for setting up Ledger Live Desktop, the companion app that lets you manage, send, and receive your crypto assets directly from your computer. Whether you just bought a Ledger hardware wallet or you’re migrating from the mobile version, this step‑by‑step walkthrough will have you up and running in about ten minutes.

What Is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is a dedicated desktop application that communicates with your Ledger hardware wallet (e.g., Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus). It provides a clean, full‑featured interface for:

• Installing and updating device firmware

• Creating or importing accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and 100+ other assets

• Sending and receiving transactions with real‑time fee estimation

• Staking, earning DeFi yields, and accessing Ledger’s built‑in exchange services

Because the app runs locally on your computer, you retain full control of your private keys while enjoying a larger screen for complex tasks.

Installation Steps

1. Download the installer
   Go to the official Ledger download page and click “Download for Windows/macOS/Linux”. The file is < 150 MB, so the download finishes in seconds on a broadband connection.

2. Run the installer
   Open the downloaded file (e.g., ledger-live-desktop‑x.x.x-setup.exe). Follow the on‑screen prompts — accept the license agreement, choose an install location (the default is fine), and let the wizard complete.

3. Launch the app
   After installation, open the program from your start menu or applications folder. The first launch may take a few seconds to initialise the local database.

Initial Setup with Your Ledger Device

1. Connect your hardware wallet
   Plug the device into a USB port (or enable Bluetooth on Nano X). The Ledger Live Desktop welcome screen will recognise the model.

2. Enter your PIN
   Use the device’s buttons to input the PIN you set during initial device configuration. If you haven’t created a PIN yet, follow the on‑device prompts to set one now.

3. Allow the app
   When prompted, confirm on the device that you trust the computer. This step ensures the desktop app can exchange data securely.

Adding Accounts

• Automatic detection – After the device is recognised, Ledger Live will show any existing accounts stored on the device. Click “Sync” to import them.

• Create a new account – Click “Add account” in the sidebar, choose the asset (e.g., Bitcoin), and select the derivation path (usually the default). Confirm on the device, then name the account (e.g., “Bitcoin Savings”).

Sending & Receiving Crypto

• Receive – Select the account, click “Receive”, and copy the address displayed on the screen. Verify the address matches the one shown on your hardware wallet for added security.

• Send – Click “Send”, paste or scan the recipient’s address, set the amount, and choose a network fee. Review the transaction summary on the desktop, then approve on your Ledger device.

Final Tips & Next Steps

• Enable automatic firmware updates – Keep the “Firmware update” toggle turned on to receive the latest security patches and new features.

• Backup your recovery phrase – Your 24‑word recovery phrase is the ultimate backup. Store it in a secure location, never digitally.

• Explore extra features – Use the “Exchange” tab to swap assets without leaving the app, or the “Earn” section to stake supported coins directly from the interface.

If you run into any issues, the in‑app help centre contains searchable articles, and the Ledger Support page offers live chat and email assistance.