Step‐by‐Step Guide to Installing Ledger Live on Windows Mac - aidanonycz/Ledger-Article-Guides-09 GitHub Wiki

Installing Ledger Live on your Windows or Mac computer is a straightforward process that allows you to manage your cryptocurrencies securely when paired with a Ledger hardware wallet (such as the Nano S Plus, Nano X, Flex, or Stax).

Please download the last update of Ledger Live Application:

1.Ledger Live for Windows 10/11

2.Ledger Live for MAC

3.Ledger Live for Android

Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide for both operating systems as of February 21, 2025. This guide assumes you’re starting fresh and includes setup instructions for first-time users.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Ledger Live on Windows

System Requirements

  • Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit) or later.
  • Hardware: At least 4 GB of RAM, USB port for Ledger device connection.
  • Internet: Stable connection for downloading and syncing.

Steps

  1. Visit the Official Ledger Website
    • Open your preferred web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Edge).
    • Navigate to ledger.com/ledger-live.
    • This ensures you download the official, secure version of Ledger Live—avoid third-party sources to prevent phishing or malware risks.
  2. Download Ledger Live
    • On the Ledger Live page, locate the “Download” section.
    • Click the Windows button (typically labeled “Download for Windows”).
    • The file (e.g., Ledger Live Setup X.X.X.exe, where X.X.X is the version number) will begin downloading to your default downloads folder.
  3. Run the Installer
    • Once the download completes, open your Downloads folder (or wherever your browser saves files).
    • Double-click the Ledger Live Setup X.X.X.exe file to launch the installer.
    • If prompted by Windows User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow the app to make changes to your device.
  4. Install the Application
    • The Ledger Live installer window will appear. Follow the on-screen prompts:
      • Accept the terms and conditions (if applicable).
      • Choose the installation location (default is usually fine: C:\Program Files\Ledger Live).
    • Click Install to begin the process.
    • Wait a few moments as the software installs—this typically takes less than a minute.
  5. Launch Ledger Live
    • Once installation finishes, check the box to Launch Ledger Live (if offered) and click Finish.
    • Alternatively, find the Ledger Live icon on your desktop or in the Start menu and double-click to open it.
  6. Initial Setup
    • Upon first launch, Ledger Live will greet you with a welcome screen:
      • Click Get Started.
    • Choose whether you’re setting up a new device, restoring a device, or just exploring:
      • New Device: Connect your Ledger hardware wallet via USB and follow prompts to initialize it (set PIN, save 24-word recovery phrase).
      • Restore Device: Enter your existing 24-word recovery phrase to recover a wallet.
      • No Device: Use Ledger Live in view-only mode to explore or manage accounts later.
    • Install necessary firmware updates for your Ledger device if prompted (via the Manager tab).
  7. Add Accounts
    • After setup, go to the Accounts tab.
    • Click Add Account, select a cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum), and follow instructions to install the coin’s app on your Ledger device via USB.
    • Confirm the account syncs with your wallet.
  8. Secure Your Setup
    • Disconnect your Ledger device and store your recovery phrase offline in a safe place (e.g., a metal backup like Ledger’s Cryptosteel).
    • Optionally, enable a password for Ledger Live under Settings > General.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Ledger Live on Mac

System Requirements

  • Operating System: macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later.
  • Hardware: At least 4 GB of RAM, USB port (or Bluetooth for Nano X).
  • Internet: Stable connection required.

Steps

  1. Visit the Official Ledger Website
    • Open your browser (e.g., Safari, Chrome).
    • Go to ledger.com/ledger-live.
    • This ensures you’re downloading from a trusted source.
  2. Download Ledger Live
    • On the Ledger Live page, find the “Download” section.
    • Click the Mac button (labeled “Download for macOS”).
    • The file (e.g., Ledger Live X.X.X.dmg) will download to your Downloads folder.
  3. Open the Downloaded File
    • Navigate to your Downloads folder (or use Spotlight to find it).
    • Double-click the Ledger Live X.X.X.dmg file to mount it.
    • A new Finder window will open showing the Ledger Live app icon.
  4. Install the Application
    • Drag the Ledger Live icon into the Applications folder as prompted in the Finder window.
    • Wait a moment as the app copies over (this is instant on most systems).
    • Once complete, you can eject the .dmg file by dragging it to the Trash or clicking the eject icon in Finder.
  5. Launch Ledger Live
    • Open the Applications folder (via Finder or Launchpad).
    • Double-click Ledger Live to start the app.
    • If macOS blocks it (due to security settings), go to System Settings > Security & Privacy and click Open Anyway to allow it (Ledger is a verified developer).
  6. Initial Setup
    • The app launches with a welcome screen:
      • Click Get Started.
    • Select your setup option:
      • New Device: Connect your Ledger via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X) and set up your PIN and recovery phrase.
      • Restore Device: Input your 24-word recovery phrase.
      • No Device: Explore Ledger Live without a wallet.
    • Update your Ledger device firmware if prompted via the Manager tab.
  7. Add Accounts
    • In the Accounts tab, click Add Account.
    • Choose a cryptocurrency (e.g., Ethereum, Solana), install its app on your Ledger, and sync it with Ledger Live.
    • Verify the account details on your device.
  8. Secure Your Setup
    • Safely store your recovery phrase offline (never digitally).
    • Optionally, set a Ledger Live password in Settings > General for extra app-level security.

Additional Tips for Both Platforms

  • Firmware Updates: During setup, Ledger Live may prompt you to update your device’s firmware. Follow the instructions carefully, ensuring your recovery phrase is backed up beforehand.
  • USB/Bluetooth: Use the provided USB cable for Nano S Plus/Flex/Stax or Bluetooth for Nano X. Ensure your computer recognizes the device (unlock it with your PIN first).
  • Troubleshooting:
    • Windows: If the device isn’t detected, install Ledger’s USB drivers from their support page or try a different USB port/cable.
    • Mac: Ensure USB/Bluetooth permissions are granted in System Settings > Privacy & Security.
  • Latest Version: Ledger Live updates frequently. After installation, check Settings > About to ensure you’re on the latest version (e.g., 2.80.0 or higher as of early 2025).

Post-Installation

Once installed, Ledger Live lets you:

  • Manage over 500 natively supported coins (e.g., BTC, ETH, SOL).
  • Buy, sell, or swap crypto via partners like MoonPay.
  • Stake assets like ADA or XTZ for rewards.
  • Visualize Ethereum/Polygon NFTs.

For a full list of features or supported assets, explore the app or refer to my earlier response on “Supported Cryptocurrencies in Ledger Live.” If you run into issues or need help with a specific step, let me know!