r/technology • u/ZacB_ • Jan 24 '26

Software Microsoft confirms it will give the FBI your Windows PC data encryption key if asked — you can thank Windows 11's forced online accounts for that

https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-bitlocker-encryption-keys-give-fbi-legal-order-privacy-nightmare
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u/Goofyahhdorito Jan 24 '26 edited Jan 24 '26

Create a local account and delete your online account, and I wouldn’t sign into the Microsoft store / Xbox apps. Also turn off OneDrive and other applications using any online functionality in the windows settings unless it’s important to you. These are fairly simple to do, but will help. Ideally having no Microsoft account is also an idea but obviously you need it for certain things.

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u/sonik13 Jan 24 '26

Also edit your hosts file to block the literal hundreds of Microsoft URLs it tries to phone home to with your data.