Privacy? Microsoft isn't familiar with the phrase.

Recently, it was revealed that Microsoft released encryption keys to authorities. If you think that through, that means that, unlike Apple, Microsoft is able to decrypt your equipment and read your computer's content.

An issue arises, not necessarily from authorities getting the information to fight terrorism, but if a hacker acquires the information and uses it for nefarious means.

Recently, Britec had a video regarding this very topic:

[YouTube]

Summary

The video discusses reports that Microsoft provides BitLocker encryption keys to the FBI to unlock encrypted drives upon receiving valid legal orders [00:07]. A spokesperson for Microsoft confirmed that the company handles approximately 20 such requests annually [00:43]. This highlights a potential security risk for users because BitLocker recovery keys are often automatically backed up to a user's Microsoft account, giving the company access to them [02:28]. While encryption is generally used to ensure that only the owner can access their data [03:53], the video suggests that those with high privacy requirements should consider using alternative encryption software that doesn't involve storing keys with a third party [04:14].

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Microsoft has not proven they respect our security or privacy. That is why I prefer macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux over Microsoft Windows. All are more stable and secure than Windows, since they are built on Unix. They all are actually more respectful of privacy than Microsoft. If you are concerned about security and privacy, look into one of the other operating systems. The knowledge that your information is more safe and security is worth the samm learning curve.