Ledger®® Live: Desktop® — Getting Started | official Ledger™ 

Introduction

Getting started with a Ledger hardware wallet involves two important components: the physical Ledger device that protects your private keys and the desktop application used to interact with your accounts. Ledger’s current website calls the application Ledger Wallet, formerly known as Ledger Live. The official application is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

The desktop application provides a central interface for connecting a Ledger device, installing supported applications, adding accounts, viewing balances, and managing supported digital assets. Your Ledger device remains an important security component because sensitive operations require confirmation on the device itself.

For safety, always obtain Ledger software through Ledger’s official website rather than through advertisements, unofficial download pages, or unknown links. Ledger specifically warns about fake applications and phishing websites designed to obtain users’ recovery phrases.

Official Links

1. Official Ledger getting-started page:
Ledger.com/start

2. Official Ledger Wallet download page:
Ledger Wallet Download

These links should be checked directly in your browser before downloading software or entering security information.

Policy and Terms

When using Ledger products and related services, users should review the applicable official terms, privacy information, and security documentation provided by Ledger. Features and supported assets can change over time, so users should rely on current official documentation rather than third-party tutorials for important security decisions.

Ledger hardware-wallet security depends heavily on protecting your PIN and Secret Recovery Phrase. Ledger explains that the Secret Recovery Phrase acts as a backup for the private keys associated with a wallet. Anyone who obtains the phrase may be able to restore access to the associated assets.

Users are responsible for keeping their recovery information secure. Never publish your recovery phrase online, store it in an unprotected cloud document, or provide it to someone claiming to be customer support.

User Manual: Getting Started

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Open Ledger’s official website and navigate to the getting-started or Ledger Wallet download section. Confirm that you are on a legitimate Ledger domain before downloading anything.

Step 2: Download the Desktop Application

Select the version appropriate for your computer. Ledger currently provides desktop downloads for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Download the installer and complete the installation according to your operating system's instructions.

Step 3: Connect Your Ledger Device

Connect your compatible Ledger hardware wallet to your computer using the appropriate connection method. Turn on the device and unlock it using your PIN.

Follow the instructions displayed in the desktop application and on the Ledger device. Do not enter your Secret Recovery Phrase into the computer simply because a website or application requests it.

Step 4: Complete Device Setup

If you are setting up a new device, follow the initialization process displayed on the Ledger device. During setup, the device generates a Secret Recovery Phrase. Ledger documentation emphasizes that this phrase should remain private and offline.

Write the words down carefully and keep the backup in a secure physical location.

Step 5: Install Required Applications

After the device is configured, use the desktop application to install the applications required for the digital assets you intend to manage. Ledger's setup guidance describes using the Manager to select and install applications on the device.

Step 6: Add Accounts

Use the desktop application's account-management features to add supported cryptocurrency accounts. Once an account has been added, the application can display relevant account information and balances.

Step 7: Verify Transactions

When sending cryptocurrency, carefully review the transaction details displayed on the Ledger device itself. Never approve a transaction solely because information shown on a computer screen looks correct.

Security Warning ⚠️

Never share your Secret Recovery Phrase or PIN with anyone. Ledger states that the recovery phrase can provide access to the wallet's associated accounts.

Be particularly cautious of websites, emails, pop-ups, social-media messages, or people claiming that your wallet must be “verified,” “synchronized,” or “secured” by entering your recovery phrase. Ledger has documented phishing campaigns specifically designed to trick users into entering their 24-word recovery phrase.

If a website or person asks you to type your recovery phrase into a computer or phone, stop and verify the request through official Ledger resources.

5 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Ledger Live still available?

Ledger currently refers to the application as Ledger Wallet, formerly known as Ledger Live. The official download page provides desktop versions for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

2. Where should I download the desktop application?

Use Ledger's official website and official download page. Avoid unofficial download mirrors and advertisements that redirect to unfamiliar domains.

3. What is the Secret Recovery Phrase?

It is the backup associated with the private keys in your wallet. It can be used to recover access to the associated accounts, so it must be kept confidential.

4. Should I enter my recovery phrase into the desktop application?

Do not enter your recovery phrase into a computer, phone, website, or online form merely because you are instructed to do so. Follow Ledger's official device-specific recovery instructions instead.

5. What should I do if someone asks for my recovery phrase?

Do not provide it. Stop the interaction and verify the situation through Ledger's official website or support resources. A recovery phrase should be treated as highly sensitive security information.

Final Checklist

Before using Ledger's desktop application:

Important: Cryptocurrency transactions can be irreversible, and digital-asset values can fluctuate substantially. This guide is for general educational purposes and does not constitute financial, investment, or security advice. Always verify current instructions through Ledger's official documentation before taking action.