Ledger® Live: Desktop Setup

Your First Steps to **Cryptocurrency Security**

**Ledger® Live: Desktop** | **Getting Started** with Your **Hardware Wallet**

Welcome to the world of self-custody! This comprehensive **Getting Started** guide walks you through every step of downloading, installing, and connecting your **Ledger Nano hardware wallet** to the powerful **Ledger Live Desktop®** application. Follow these instructions carefully to begin to **Manage Your Crypto™ Assets Safely** from the security of your computer.

Begin Installation Guide

Step 1: Secure Download of **Ledger Live Desktop®**

Security begins with the source. Always download **Ledger Live Desktop®** directly from the official Ledger website. Never trust third-party mirrors or links. This practice is the foundational element of **cryptocurrency security** when setting up your **hardware wallet**.

Installation Procedure

  • Navigate to the official Ledger website's download page.
  • Select the correct version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
  • Download the installer package for **Ledger® Live: Desktop**.
  • Verify the file hash (for advanced users) or simply ensure the file name and size match the expectations on the official site to validate authenticity.
  • Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation of **Ledger Live Desktop®**.
  • Launch the application and proceed to the next step: Connecting your **hardware wallet**.

Essential Security Checkpoints

  • Source Integrity: Only download from Ledger's official domain.
  • USB Cable: Use the official USB cable that came with your Ledger Nano device for the most reliable connection.
  • Clean Environment: Ensure your desktop operating system is up-to-date and free from known malware before attempting to **Manage Your Crypto™ Assets Safely**.

Step 2: Connecting and Configuring Your **Hardware Wallet**

Once **Ledger Live Desktop®** is installed, you will be guided through the initialization of your physical device. This is the moment your **digital assets** gain their protection. The desktop client facilitates this process, but the critical action always happens on the device itself.

Setting Up a New Device

In **Ledger Live Desktop®**, choose the option "Set up a new device." The application will prompt you to choose a **PIN** on your device and then write down your **24-word recovery phrase**. This phrase is the master key to **Manage Your Crypto™ Assets Safely**. **Ledger Live** cannot see or record this phrase—it is generated offline by your **hardware wallet**. Do not skip the critical step of writing it down physically.

The Crucial **Recovery Phrase** Verification

To confirm your **cryptocurrency security**, the **hardware wallet** will ask you to verify a random selection of your 24 words. This ensures you recorded them correctly. Until this step is complete, your device is not fully initialized. **Ledger® Live: Desktop** is merely the visual aid; all security operations remain confined to the secure chip inside your Ledger Nano.

**Reconnecting an Existing Device:** If you have already set up your Ledger, choose "Restore from recovery phrase" or "Use a device already initialized" within **Ledger Live Desktop®**. The application will then synchronize with the blockchain using the public keys derived from your device, displaying your **digital assets** securely.

Step 3: Managing Your **Digital Assets** in **Ledger Live Desktop®**

Once your **hardware wallet** is set up and unlocked, you can start adding the accounts necessary to **Manage Your Crypto™ Assets Safely**. This process involves using the **Ledger Manager** within the desktop application to install the specific blockchain app onto your device.

3.1 Install the Coin Application

In **Ledger Live Desktop®**, navigate to the 'Manager' tab. Connect and unlock your device. Find the cryptocurrency you wish to add (e.g., "Bitcoin" or "Ethereum") and click 'Install'. This loads the specific app onto your **hardware wallet** so it can communicate with that blockchain.

3.2 Add the Account to **Ledger Live**

Navigate to the 'Accounts' tab in **Ledger Live Desktop®** and click '+ Add account'. Select the coin you just installed. The desktop app will communicate with your Ledger device (which must have the coin app open) to scan the blockchain and generate the public addresses needed to track your **digital assets**.

3.3 Safely Receive Your First Funds

To fund your wallet, click the 'Receive' button in **Ledger Live Desktop®**, select the account, and verify the address on your **hardware wallet** screen. This verification is essential for **cryptocurrency security**. Only copy the address presented on your **hardware wallet** screen to your exchange or sender. You are now fully set up to **Manage Your Crypto™ Assets Safely**!

Ready to Start Your Secure Crypto Journey?

Follow this **Getting Started** guide to successfully install **Ledger® Live: Desktop** and immediately enhance your **cryptocurrency security** posture for all your **digital assets**.

Download Official Ledger Live