Your **Official** Guide to **Secure Crypto Management**
**Ledger Live Desktop**: The **Official** **Getting Started** Hub
Welcome to the most important step in securing your **Digital Assets**. **Ledger Live Desktop** is the comprehensive, all-in-one application required to **Get Started** with your **Ledger Hardware Wallet**. It provides the interface for activating your **Device Security**, performing the initial **Setup**, and managing all your holdings, including **Bitcoin** and **Ethereum**. The **Desktop** version offers the most secure environment for firmware updates and device initialization. Follow this **Official** guide to successfully complete your **Getting Started** journey and activate true **Cold Storage** for your wealth.
Step 1: **Official Download** and Installation of **Ledger Live Desktop**
Verified **Official Download**
Always **Download** the **Ledger Live Desktop** application directly from the **Official** Ledger website. Avoid third-party links or search engine results that could lead to phishing sites offering malware-infected versions. The **Getting Started** process demands security from the very first click. This is crucial for protecting your future **Digital Assets** and achieving reliable **Secure Crypto Management**.
System Requirements Check
The **Ledger Live Desktop** application supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. Ensure your operating system is up-to-date and that you have a stable internet connection. While the **Hardware Wallet** handles the **Cold Storage** keys, the **Desktop** app needs a reliable foundation for synchronizing your accounts and managing your **Bitcoin** and **Ethereum** transaction history.
Launch and Device Recognition
Once installed, launch **Ledger Live Desktop**. It will immediately prompt you to connect your new **Hardware Wallet**. Use the original USB cable. The application will guide you through connecting and initializing the device. This initial handshake verifies that you are using a genuine Ledger device, reinforcing your **Device Security** right at the **Getting Started** phase.
Successfully installing **Ledger Live Desktop** is the foundation. Now, the **Getting Started** guide moves to the most critical security phase: initializing your device and securing your **Recovery Phrase**.
Step 2: **Getting Started** with **Device Security** (PIN & **Recovery Phrase**)
These steps are performed on your **Hardware Wallet** screen, keeping the sensitive information—your **Recovery Phrase** and **PIN**—air-gapped from your internet-connected computer. **Ledger Live Desktop** merely guides you through the process.
Setting Your **PIN** Code
The **PIN** is your daily access key. **Ledger Live Desktop** will tell you to set it, but you choose and input the digits *only* using the buttons on your **Hardware Wallet**. Choose a secure, memorable **PIN** (4-8 digits). After three wrong attempts, the device will wipe itself, requiring the **Recovery Phrase** for restoration. This strong **PIN** protection is integral to your basic **Device Security** layer.
Writing Down the **Recovery Phrase**
This 24-word sequence is the single most important element of your **Secure Crypto Management**. It is generated on and displayed *only* by your **Hardware Wallet**—never in **Ledger Live Desktop**. Write it down carefully on the provided sheets, verify it twice, and store it in **Cold Storage** (a safe, physical location). This **Recovery Phrase** is the only key to recovering your **Bitcoin**, **Ethereum**, and other **Digital Assets** should your device be lost or destroyed. Never take a photo or store it digitally.
Verifying the Device with **Ledger Live Desktop**
The final part of the **Getting Started** process is the *Genuine Check*. **Ledger Live Desktop** communicates securely with your **Hardware Wallet** to verify its cryptographic integrity. This proves that your device is an **Official** Ledger product, hasn't been tampered with, and is running authentic firmware. This is the last step before you can trust the device for **Secure Crypto Management** and move funds into **Cold Storage**.
Completing the **PIN** and **Recovery Phrase** steps is equivalent to activating the highest level of **Device Security** available for your **Digital Assets**.
Step 3: **Getting Started** with **Secure Crypto Management**
With your **Hardware Wallet** initialized, **Ledger Live Desktop** now becomes your powerful daily dashboard for all your **Digital Assets**.
Adding **Bitcoin** and **Ethereum** Accounts
In **Ledger Live Desktop**, navigate to the 'Accounts' section. You must install the relevant application (e.g., **Bitcoin** or **Ethereum**) onto your **Hardware Wallet** through the Manager tab. Once installed, the **Desktop** app will automatically scan the blockchain and synchronize addresses derived from your secure **Recovery Phrase**. Your funds remain in **Cold Storage**; the app is just a viewer.
Portfolio Tracking & Viewing Balances
The **Ledger Live Desktop** interface provides a clean, real-time overview of your total portfolio value across all supported **Digital Assets**. This feature makes **Secure Crypto Management** intuitive. While you view balances on your computer, the **private keys** necessary to move funds are safely locked inside your **Hardware Wallet**.
Your **Getting Started** phase transitions into confident, continuous **Secure Crypto Management**. The combination of the **Ledger Live Desktop** software and the physical **Device Security** of your **Hardware Wallet** is the gold standard for **Cold Storage**.
Maintaining Your **Device Security** Beyond **Getting Started**
Security is ongoing. **Ledger Live Desktop** helps you maintain the integrity of your **Cold Storage** over time.
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**Regular Firmware Updates:** The **Ledger Live Desktop** Manager tab will notify you of **Official** firmware updates. Install these immediately to ensure your **Hardware Wallet** benefits from the latest **Device Security** enhancements and remains compatible with **Bitcoin** and **Ethereum** network changes.
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**Transaction Verification:** When sending any **Digital Assets**, the **Ledger Live Desktop** will display the recipient address and amount, but you **MUST** physically verify these details on your **Hardware Wallet** screen before confirming. This protects against computer-based malicious alteration.
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**Protecting the **Recovery Phrase**:** Regularly check the physical location of your **Recovery Phrase** (your **Cold Storage** backup) to ensure it is undamaged and has not been moved. This vigilance is the ultimate layer of **Secure Crypto Management**.
The **Getting Started** guide only leads to sustained **Device Security**. The **Ledger Live Desktop** is your tool; your careful adherence to the **Recovery Phrase** rules is your ultimate protection for your **Bitcoin** and **Ethereum**.
Your Journey to **Secure Crypto Management** Begins Now
If you have your **Hardware Wallet** ready, click below to be directed to the **Official** **Download** page and start the **Ledger Live Desktop** **Getting Started** process immediately. Take control of your **Digital Assets** today.
Download **Ledger Live Desktop**