Ledger Live Desktop: Comprehensive Installation & Setup

Part 1: Downloading and Installing Ledger Live

This section guides you through the process of obtaining and installing the Ledger Live software on your desktop computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

Step 1.1: Download the Official Software

1. Open your web browser and navigate to the **official Ledger website**.
2. Locate the **Ledger Live** section and select the appropriate version for your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux).
3. Click the download button and save the installer file to a recognizable location on your computer. The file size is typically around 100-200 MB.

Step 1.2: Run the Installer

1. **Windows:** Locate the downloaded .exe file. Double-click it to begin the installation. You may be prompted by Windows to grant administrative permission; click **Yes**. Follow the on-screen instructions to select the installation path and create a desktop shortcut.
2. **macOS:** Locate the downloaded .dmg file. Double-click it to open the disk image. Drag the **Ledger Live** application icon into the **Applications** folder alias. Once copied, you can eject the disk image.
3. **Linux:** The instructions vary depending on the distribution. Typically, you download an AppImage file. Make the file executable using a command like chmod +x Ledger-Live-*.AppImage, and then run it.

Step 1.3: Launch Ledger Live

After installation is complete, launch the application from your desktop shortcut or your applications folder. The Ledger Live welcome screen should appear.

Part 2: Initial Setup and Device Configuration

The first time you open Ledger Live, you will be prompted to set up a new device or restore an existing one. **It is highly recommended to set up your Ledger hardware wallet first before connecting it to Ledger Live.**

Step 2.1: Choose Your Setup Path

On the welcome screen, you will be presented with three main options:

• **Initialize a new Ledger device:** Choose this if you have a brand-new device that hasn't been set up yet. (You will be guided to set up the device physically first).
• **Restore a Ledger device from Recovery Phrase:** Use this if you are recovering funds onto a new Ledger device.
• **Use an already initialized device:** Select this if your Ledger device (Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.) already has a PIN and a 24-word Recovery Phrase written down. **This is the most common path.**

Step 2.2: Device Verification and Security Check

1. Select **"Use an already initialized device"**.
2. Ledger Live will prompt you to connect your Ledger device. Use the original USB cable.
3. Unlock your device by entering your **PIN code** on the device itself.
4. Ledger Live will perform a **Genuine Check**—a critical security step that verifies the device's authenticity and ensures its firmware is not compromised. Wait for the confirmation.

Step 2.3: Set Up a Password for Ledger Live

This password protects your **Ledger Live application data** (account balances, transaction history) on your computer. **It does NOT protect your crypto assets** (which are protected by your hardware wallet's PIN and Recovery Phrase). Choose a strong, unique password.

1. Click **"Set up a password"**.
2. Enter your preferred password and confirm it.
3. Click **"Continue"**.

Part 3: Managing Your Device and Accounts

Step 3.1: Navigate to Manager

The **Manager** section in Ledger Live is where you install and update the necessary blockchain applications on your Ledger device. **You must install an app for every cryptocurrency you wish to manage.**

1. Click the **Manager** tab on the left-hand navigation menu.
2. Connect your Ledger device and unlock it with your PIN. If prompted, allow Ledger Manager on your device.
3. Find the crypto application you need (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana).
4. Click **Install** next to the application. Wait for the installation to complete.

Step 3.2: Add Your Cryptocurrency Accounts

After installing the required app on your device, you can add the corresponding account in Ledger Live.

1. Navigate to the **Accounts** tab.
2. Click the **+ Add account** button.
3. Select the cryptocurrency (e.g., **Bitcoin**).
4. Your Ledger device will prompt you to open the selected app (e.g., "Open Bitcoin app"). Approve this action on your device.
5. Ledger Live will scan the blockchain for any existing accounts tied to your Ledger's seed phrase.
6. Give the account a descriptive name (e.g., "Main Bitcoin Savings").
7. Click **Done**. You can now view your balance, receive funds, and send funds from this account.

Further Security Recommendations

• **Firmware:** Always keep your Ledger device firmware updated through Ledger Live.
• **Updates:** Regularly update the Ledger Live application itself for the latest features and security fixes.
• **NEVER SHARE YOUR 24 WORDS.** Your 24-word Recovery Phrase is the *only* backup of your funds. Anyone who possesses it can take your crypto.