got windows 10, don't know why (personally want debian with kali repositories listed in source file) and i found a folder in c:\ named "windows.old" (contains system files for win 7) and out of curiosity i opened the SAM file with only admin privileges. As the SAM file is vulnerable to offline attacks, i think it is the same idea. but just wanted to share with you. Thanks for listening to my jibba jabba.
best of luck! (with whatever you are doing)