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

Getting started with a hardware wallet is a critical step toward securing your digital assets, and Ledger Live Desktop makes this process simple, guided, and secure. Whether you are new to crypto or an experienced holder, understanding how to start up your Ledger device using Ledger Live Desktop ensures that your private keys remain protected while giving you full control over your portfolio.

This guide walks you through the essentials of setting up your Ledger device, installing Ledger Live Desktop, and beginning your journey into secure crypto management.

What Is Ledger Live Desktop?

Ledger Live Desktop is the official application developed by Ledger® to manage hardware wallets such as Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X. It allows users to safely store, send, receive, and monitor cryptocurrencies while keeping private keys offline.

When you first power on your Ledger device, Ledger Live Desktop acts as your trusted interface, guiding you step by step through device initialization, PIN creation, and recovery phrase backup.

For advanced portfolio tracking and asset management, Ledger Live Desktop also provides real-time balances, transaction history, and firmware updates in one secure platform.

Before You Start: What You Need

Before starting up your Ledger device, make sure you have the following ready:

  • A genuine Ledger hardware wallet
  • A USB cable or Bluetooth-enabled device (for Nano X)
  • A computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux
  • The latest version of Ledger Live Desktop
  • A private, distraction-free environment for writing your recovery phrase

Starting your device in a secure location is essential, as your recovery phrase must never be shared or stored digitally.

Installing Ledger Live Desktop

To begin, download Ledger Live Desktop from the official Ledger® website. Installing the official application ensures you are protected from phishing attempts and counterfeit software.

Once installed, launch the application and select “Get Started.” Ledger Live Desktop will automatically check the authenticity of your device and guide you through the setup process.

This is the first point where Ledger Live Desktop proves its value by verifying that your device is genuine and has not been tampered with.

Starting Up™ Your Ledger Device

Step 1: Power On the Device

Connect your Ledger hardware wallet to your computer using the provided cable. The device will power on automatically and display setup instructions on its screen.

Step 2: Choose “Set Up as New Device”

On the device screen, select “Set up as new device.” If you already have a recovery phrase, you can restore an existing wallet instead.

Step 3: Create a Secure PIN

Ledger Live Desktop will prompt you to create a PIN code. This PIN protects your device from unauthorized access. Choose a PIN that is hard to guess and never share it with anyone.

Step 4: Write Down Your Recovery Phrase

Your device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. This is the most important step of the setup process. Write each word down in order on the recovery sheet provided.

⚠️ Important: Ledger Live Desktop will never ask for your recovery phrase online. Anyone who has this phrase can access your funds.

Confirming Setup in Ledger Live Desktop

After recording your recovery phrase, Ledger Live Desktop will ask you to confirm it directly on the device. This verification step ensures that your backup is accurate and that you can recover your assets if your device is lost or damaged.

Once confirmed, Ledger Live Desktop completes the initialization and prepares your wallet for daily use.

At this stage, you can begin installing crypto apps, adding accounts, and managing assets securely through Ledger Live Desktop.

Adding Accounts and Managing Assets

With your device set up, Ledger Live Desktop allows you to:

  • Add cryptocurrency accounts (Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more)
  • Install and uninstall apps safely
  • Send and receive crypto with on-device confirmation
  • Track portfolio performance in real time

Because all transactions must be physically confirmed on your Ledger device, your private keys never leave the hardware wallet, even while using Ledger Live Desktop.

Why Ledger Live Desktop Is Essential

Using Ledger Live Desktop ensures that your hardware wallet works as intended—securely and transparently. The application acts as a control center, helping you stay updated with firmware upgrades, security checks, and supported assets.

Key benefits include:

  • Official Ledger® security verification
  • Offline private key protection
  • Intuitive setup guidance
  • Secure device and account management

For both beginners and advanced users, Ledger Live Desktop simplifies crypto security without compromising control.

Final Thoughts

Starting up™ your Ledger device with Ledger Live Desktop is the foundation of safe crypto ownership. By following the guided steps, securing your recovery phrase, and managing your assets through the official application, you significantly reduce the risk of hacks, scams, and unauthorized access.

Whether you are holding long-term or actively managing digital assets, Ledger Live Desktop provides a trusted, professional, and user-friendly environment to keep your crypto secure.