Ledger Live Desktop is an application designed to let users manage multiple digital assets with a hardware signer for secure approval of transactions. This guide walks through safe preparation, device pairing, account management, routine operations, and maintenance best practices so you can use the desktop application with confidence and reduced risk.
Before you start: safety first
Always obtain software from the official distribution source and verify the download integrity where checksums or signatures are provided. Keep your hardware signer’s recovery secret offline and never enter it into any application or website. Treat the recovery secret as the master key: if it is exposed, assets can be moved without consent.
Install and prepare the desktop application
Download the official desktop package for your operating system. When prompted by the system during installation, allow only the required permissions. Prefer stable releases rather than preview builds when you want consistent, well-tested behavior. After install, check the application's update area regularly and apply official updates as they become available.
Pair and configure your device
Connect your hardware signer to the computer using a reliable cable or supported wireless pairing method. Authorize the connection directly on the physical device when the device requests confirmation — this physical step prevents remote attackers from silently approving transactions. Use a passphrase or device PIN option if the hardware supports it; those add a layer of protection should the device be lost.
Managing accounts and assets
Add the accounts you need from the application's account manager. The interface typically lets you view balances, transaction history, and token details across supported chains. If you need an asset the application does not list, pair the hardware signer with a trusted third-party interface that supports the asset — only after confirming compatibility and safety from official resources.
Sending and receiving flow
To receive funds, generate the receiving address in the desktop application while your device is connected and verify the address on the device display. For sending, create the transaction in the application and always confirm the full details shown on the physical device before approving. That verification on the device is the security boundary that prevents remote tampering.
Routine maintenance and updates
Keep both the desktop app and the hardware device firmware current with official releases. Updates often contain security improvements and bug fixes — staying updated reduces exposure to known threats. Make sure to follow official update instructions carefully to avoid partial or interrupted updates.
Backup and recovery planning
Maintain a secure, offline copy of your recovery secret using durable, private methods. Test recovery in a controlled environment if possible so you know the procedure works. Avoid storing any sensitive backup data on cloud services or in plain text on networked devices.
Recognize common threats
Be alert for counterfeit desktop packages and fraudulent prompts. Malicious applications may mimic the appearance of the genuine interface but request critical credentials. If an application ever asks you to provide your recovery secret, treat it as an immediate sign of compromise and stop all activity until you’ve verified authenticity via trusted channels.
Daily habits for safer use
Use a dedicated device when practical, limit the number of third-party connections, and review transactions carefully before final approval. Consider read-only checks or test transfers for new addresses or services. If you administer multiple accounts, adopt a clear naming and labeling scheme and periodically audit holdings and approval logs.
Advanced: connecting to services
Ledger Live Desktop often integrates marketplace services for exchange, staking, and decentralized application interactions. Only enable these integrations if you understand the service terms and how custody of assets is handled. Prefer services that enable on-device approval flows for critical actions.
Final checklist
Verify downloads, keep software current, confirm every transaction on the hardware device, protect backups offline, and treat recovery material as absolutely private. Following these steps consistently reduces risk and helps preserve the integrity of your desktop asset management workflow.
This document is intended as a practical guide. For software-specific instructions and release details, consult official resources and the support area maintained by the application provider.