This presentation walks you through initial setup, key security concepts, and first steps using Ledger Live Desktop. Mix-and-match colors in headings show structure: main topic, subsection, call-out. Use the navigation below to move between slides.
Download the Ledger Live Desktop application from the official Ledger website. Choose the package for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux). Once downloaded, follow the installer prompts. After installation, open the app and you will be greeted with a setup assistant.
Always verify the installation file's integrity when possible and only download from official sources. Ledger support will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase.
When you power on a new Ledger device, follow the on-screen instructions to set a PIN and record your recovery phrase. Keep your recovery phrase offline and in multiple secure locations.
Ledger Live manages accounts locally and communicates with your Ledger device to sign transactions. Use the Manager tab to install blockchain app modules on the device (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.).
Only install apps you need. More apps use device memory; remove unused ones. Each account links to an on-chain address family and appears in Ledger Live after adding it.
To receive: open an account in Ledger Live, click Receive, connect your device and verify the address on the device screen. To send: start a Send flow, enter destination address and amount, connect device and confirm the transaction details on the hardware device before approving.
Always verify the address on your Ledger device screen — malware can change addresses shown in software but cannot alter the address displayed on the hardware device.
Ledger devices store private keys in a secure chip (SE). Transaction signing happens inside the device; the private key never leaves the secure element. Ledger Live acts as a UI, while the device performs the cryptographic operations.
If you lose your device, use your recovery phrase on a compatible device to restore funds. If you suspect compromise, move funds to a new wallet and new recovery phrase.
If Ledger Live doesn't detect your device: try a different USB cable, ensure the device is unlocked, and that Ledger Live has required permissions. Keep Ledger Live and firmware up to date.
Ledger Live is the official desktop application companion for Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a centralised interface for viewing account balances, sending and receiving assets, and interacting with supported dApps and staking services. The core security model relies on the hardware wallet's secure element; Ledger Live never has direct access to private keys. Instead it builds transactions that the device signs internally, which provides a defensive boundary against host machine compromise.
Getting started begins with deciding whether to set up a new device or restore one from a recovery. New users will create a secure PIN and receive a 24-word recovery phrase; these are the single most critical secret and must be protected in offline form. Restoration should only be performed on trusted hardware. Ledger's guides emphasise physical backups (paper, metal) and geographic separation for resilience against loss or physical disaster.
Accounts in Ledger Live map to on-chain addresses. Each cryptocurrency family (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) typically requires its own installed app on the device. Ledger Live contains a Manager that installs and removes these blockchain apps; users should only install what they need and remove apps to free space. Importantly, accounts can be added or removed in the app without affecting the private keys — those remain stored securely on the device.
When transacting, use the Receive flow to obtain and verify addresses on-device. The device displays the receiving address and requires manual confirmation; confirm visually — this prevents malware on the host from tricking you into sharing an attacker-controlled address. For sending, double-check amounts and fees, and confirm the transaction directly on your Ledger device screen before approving the signature. Ledger's display acts as the final trusted UI for transaction approval.
Firmware updates periodically add new features and security enhancements. Keep firmware and Ledger Live up to date, but follow official upgrade guidance. Never enter recovery phrases into software, chat, or websites. Ledger support will never ask for your recovery phrase — if asked, treat it as a scam and cease communication immediately.
For advanced users, a common pattern is to keep a 'hot' software wallet for small frequent spending and a 'cold' Ledger wallet for long-term storage. Use multisig or additional hardware if you manage institutional funds. Staking and DeFi interactions vary by protocol; always read protocol docs and ensure Ledger Live supports signing methods for the dApp or staking provider you plan to use.
Recovery planning is important: record your recovery phrase in multiple physical locations and consider storing an encrypted version in a bank safety deposit box if appropriate. Consider passphrase features (BIP39 passphrase) only if you understand the risk — a passphrase changes your derived wallet and if lost, funds will be unrecoverable even with the seed words.
Finally, adopt good operational security: rotate passwords, use a password manager for account credentials, enable OS-level protections, and be wary of phishing. When in doubt, consult Ledger's official documentation and community guides, and test small transactions first.
End of guide — additional detailed walkthroughs, screenshots, and extended FAQs can be added on demand.
Congratulations — you now have the foundational steps to install Ledger Live Desktop, set up your device, and start managing crypto securely. Remember: the device screen is your ground truth. Keep backups safe, and never reveal your recovery phrase.
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