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

Getting started with your Ledger hardware wallet using Ledger Live Desktop® is the first step toward managing and securing your cryptocurrency assets. Ledger Live is the official application that allows users to initialize their device, manage crypto portfolios, install apps, and perform transactions safely. This guide walks you through how to start up your device using Ledger Live Desktop and begin your crypto journey with confidence.

What is Ledger Live Desktop®?

Ledger Live Desktop® is the official software developed by Ledger™ that allows users to interact with their Ledger hardware wallet. It provides a secure interface to manage cryptocurrencies, install blockchain apps, and monitor portfolio performance in real time.

The desktop version offers enhanced functionality, improved security, and a larger interface for easier navigation compared to mobile platforms. By connecting your Ledger hardware wallet to Ledger Live Desktop, your private keys remain securely stored on the device while transactions are verified physically.

If you are installing the application for the first time, follow the steps in our Ledger Live Desktop® installation guide to download and set up the software on your computer.

Requirements Before Starting Your Device

Before initializing your Ledger device with Ledger Live Desktop®, ensure you have the following:

A Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus or Nano X)

A USB cable to connect the device

A computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux

The Ledger Live Desktop® application installed

A safe place to write down your 24-word recovery phrase

Keeping your recovery phrase safe is extremely important because it is the only way to recover your assets if the device is lost or damaged.

You can also review the Ledger Live Desktop® system requirements to confirm compatibility with your operating system.

Step-by-Step: Starting Up Your Ledger Device

  1. Launch Ledger Live Desktop® Open the Ledger Live Desktop® application on your computer. Once opened, select “Get Started” and choose the type of Ledger device you are setting up.

Ledger Live will guide you through the process with on-screen instructions.

  1. Connect Your Ledger Device Plug your Ledger hardware wallet into your computer using the USB cable. The device will power on automatically and display the welcome screen.

Use the buttons on the device to navigate through the instructions.

  1. Choose “Set Up as New Device” If this is your first time using the device, select “Set up as new device.”

If you already have a recovery phrase from a previous Ledger device, choose the “Restore from recovery phrase” option instead.

For restoring wallets, check our guide on Ledger Live Desktop® wallet recovery steps.

  1. Create a Secure PIN Code Next, you will create a PIN code on the Ledger device. This code protects access to your wallet whenever the device is connected.

Choose a PIN that is difficult to guess and never share it with anyone.

  1. Write Down Your Recovery Phrase Your Ledger device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. Carefully write each word down in the exact order shown on the device screen.

This phrase is your master backup. Anyone who has access to it can control your crypto assets.

Important security tips:

Never store the phrase digitally

Do not take screenshots

Never share it online

  1. Verify the Recovery Phrase After writing the phrase down, the device will ask you to confirm certain words to verify that you recorded them correctly.

This verification ensures your wallet backup is accurate.

Finalizing Setup in Ledger Live Desktop®

Once your device setup is complete, return to Ledger Live Desktop® to finalize the configuration. The application will perform a genuine check to confirm your Ledger device is authentic.

After verification, you can begin:

Installing blockchain apps

Creating crypto accounts

Sending and receiving assets

Monitoring your portfolio

For detailed account setup instructions, visit our Ledger Live Desktop® account management guide.

Start Managing Your Crypto Securely

Starting your device with Ledger Live Desktop® ensures your digital assets are managed with industry-leading hardware security. By combining secure hardware with an intuitive desktop interface, Ledger provides a powerful solution for crypto investors who want complete control over their funds.

After completing the startup process, explore additional features such as staking, portfolio tracking, and app installation directly within Ledger Live.