If you use a local windows account does it still upload your bitlocker key to M$?

No, and by default the keys are stored on the disk so it's not actually secure.

If you open the BitLocker control panel applet your drive(s) will be labelled as "Bitlocker waiting for activation".

	▲	mmmlinux 27 minutes ago \| parent [-]
		Oh? Do tell how to retrieve those insecure keys. I have an old laptop I would love to get access to again.