Ledger Live Desktop Setup: A Hands-On Guide to Cold Storage

Welcome! If you’ve just obtained a Ledger hardware wallet and want to use Ledger Live Desktop safely and confidently, this is your guide. We’ll walk you through every step—downloading the app, initializing your device, securing your recovery seed, installing blockchain apps, and securely sending/receiving crypto.

Why Choose This Setup for Cold Storage?

Cold storage ensures your private keys stay offline, in the secure element of your hardware wallet. Ledger Live Desktop is simply the local interface you use to interact with your funds—while all critical signing operations remain isolated. This way you get both strong security and usability for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more.

Step-by-Step Setup & Usage

1. Download & Verify the Official App

1. Go to ledger.com/ledger-live.
2. Select your operating system and download the installer (or AppImage for Linux).
3. Check the SHA-512 hash of the download with Ledger’s published signatures page. Link: Signatures page
4. Run the installer (or make the AppImage executable on Linux) to install Ledger Live.

2. Launch & Begin Setup

1. Open Ledger Live and click “Get started.”
2. Select your Ledger device model (e.g. Nano X, Nano S Plus).
3. Choose “Set up as new device” or “Restore from recovery phrase.”

3. Initialize the Hardware Wallet

1. Plug it into your computer via USB to power it on.
2. Set a PIN using the physical buttons.
3. The device yields a 24-word recovery seed—write it down carefully.
4. Confirm words as prompted to ensure accuracy.
5. (Optional) Some users factory reset and restore from the same seed to validate the backup.

4. Perform Genuine Check & Firmware Update

Ledger Live will verify that your device is genuine and, if needed, guide you to update its firmware securely. Don’t skip this step.

5. Install Blockchain Apps on the Device

• Open the Manager tab in Ledger Live.
• Install the apps for the chains you want (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.).
• Open the app on your device’s screen once installed.

6. Add Crypto Accounts in Ledger Live

1. Go to Accounts → Add account.
2. Select a currency; Ledger Live reads addresses from the device.
3. Accept the suggested derivation path (e.g. SegWit).

7. Send & Receive Funds

To receive: Use the “Receive” button, then confirm the address on your device’s screen.
To send: Enter destination and amount in Ledger Live, then confirm the transaction on your device physically.

8. Maintenance & Security Habits

• Regularly check for firmware and app updates.
• Store your recovery seed securely (fireproof, metal, offline).
• Test new transactions with small amounts first.
• Never enter your seed phrase into any software or web page.
• Optional: enable a passphrase (25th word) for extra account isolation—set it up on the device itself.