Upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 10. Is my graphics card compatible with Windows 10 (ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT)?

Hi NoeyB,

This is Wil, one of the independent advisor, an expert with Windows 10 and a fellow Windows 10 user like you.

First of all, there's no upgrade path from Windows Vista to Windows 10 which means you will have to do a clean installation of Windows 10. You would need to back up your files first on an external storage device first since the clean installation will wipe out the content of your hard drive.

Aside from that, if your graphics card won't be able to find a compatible driver for Windows 10, Windows will install the Basic Display Driver which would allow you a very limited display setting. It is also not recommended for gaming and applications that require mid to heavy graphics usage.

I hope the information I provided will help you. If you need further assistance please do reply back and I will respond as quickly as possible. Have a nice day.


Thanks,
Wilfred P.
Independent Advisor

You'll have to try it but generally most are not happy with the Microsoft Basic driver since it doesn't have good resolutions or support Sleep and Hibernate.  So you might want to Upgrade the graphics card once you try it to see.

As to the other specifications for upgrade on a Vista PC which is often too old to run Windows 10, see Windows 10 Specs

If you decide you want to try it, then I'd save a System Image backup stored externally so you can go back in 30 minutes and be up and running.  Here's the best free imaging app and how to use it:  https://www.howtogeek.com/howto/7363/macrium-reflect-is-a-free-and-easy-to-use-backup-utility/

 You'll also need to do a Clean Install following the illustrated steps in this link which include everything that works best in Windows 10:  http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki/windows_10-windows_install/clean-reinstall-windows-10-upgradefactory-oem/1c426bdf-79b1-4d42-be93-17378d93e587