Ledger Live Desktop — Secure your crypto portfolio with the wallet app
Ledger Live Desktop is a powerful, user-friendly wallet app that helps you protect your crypto portfolio. Use Ledger Live Desktop to manage assets, check balances, sign transactions securely with a hardware wallet, and maintain long-term portfolio health. This page explains how to set up Ledger Live Desktop, how to protect your crypto, and best practices for safe wallet management.
Why Ledger Live Desktop matters
Ledger Live Desktop pairs with a Ledger hardware wallet to ensure private keys remain offline while you use an intuitive wallet app on your computer. Protect your crypto portfolio by keeping sensitive signing operations on the device and using Ledger Live Desktop for account management, portfolio view, and transaction history.
Key reasons to use Ledger Live Desktop to protect your crypto:
- Offline keys: Private keys never leave the hardware wallet, so Ledger Live Desktop acts as a secure interface without holding credentials.
- Centralized portfolio view: Monitor multiple accounts and assets in one place, making it easy to manage and protect your crypto holdings.
- Verified firmware updates: Apply firmware updates through the Ledger Live Desktop app to maintain device security.
How to install and set up Ledger Live Desktop
- Download Ledger Live Desktop: Download the official app for Windows, macOS, or Linux from the official source. This ensures you get a verified, secure installer to protect your crypto portfolio.
- Install and run the app: Follow on-screen setup instructions. Ledger Live Desktop will guide you through connecting your hardware wallet and creating a secure environment for the wallet app.
- Connect your Ledger hardware wallet: Use the USB cable to connect your device. Approve connections on-device to authorize Ledger Live Desktop to display accounts and balances.
- Set a PIN and back up: Configure a strong PIN and securely store your recovery phrase offline. The recovery phrase is the ultimate key to recover accounts if you lose your device — protect it to safeguard your crypto portfolio.
- Add accounts and sync: Add Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other supported assets. Ledger Live Desktop will sync accounts and display balances, transaction history, and portfolio value.
- Perform a test transaction: Send a small test amount to confirm everything works. Confirm the address and amount on your hardware device before approving the transaction — this is the most secure way to use the wallet app.
Protecting your crypto — best practices
- Always use official downloads: Only install Ledger Live Desktop from official channels to avoid phishing and tampered installers.
- Never share your recovery phrase: Ledger Live Desktop will never ask for your recovery phrase. Keep it offline and in a secure location.
- Confirm on-device: Always check transaction details on the hardware wallet screen before approving in Ledger Live Desktop.
- Use trusted computers: Manage significant funds on personal, secure machines rather than public or shared computers.
- Keep firmware updated: Firmware updates are essential for security; apply them via Ledger Live Desktop when prompted.
Ledger Live Desktop combines the safety of a hardware wallet with the convenience of a modern wallet app. Use these steps and best practices to ensure you protect your crypto portfolio while taking advantage of Ledger Live Desktop’s features like portfolio tracking, multi-asset management, and secure transaction signing.
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