Which type of information does a Windows SAM file contain?

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The Windows Security Account Manager (SAM) file stores hashed passwords for local Windows user accounts. These hashes are used to authenticate users without storing plaintext passwords.

The SAM file stores local account password hashes, not network passwords.

Passwords are hashed (not encrypted) using algorithms like NTLM or LM hashes.

Network password management occurs elsewhere (e.g., Active Directory).