diff --git a/Annex/AutoMerge.hs b/Annex/AutoMerge.hs
index 36b67af6cc..0f5807d66d 100644
--- a/Annex/AutoMerge.hs
+++ b/Annex/AutoMerge.hs
@@ -13,7 +13,6 @@ module Annex.AutoMerge
 
 import Annex.Common
 import qualified Annex.Queue
-import Annex.Direct
 import Annex.CatFile
 import Annex.Link
 import Annex.Content
@@ -50,9 +49,7 @@ autoMergeFrom branch currbranch mergeconfig canresolvemerge commitmode = do
 		Nothing -> go Nothing
 		Just b -> go =<< inRepo (Git.Ref.sha b)
   where
-	go old = ifM isDirect
-		( mergeDirect currbranch old branch resolvemerge mergeconfig commitmode
-		, do
+	go old = do
 			r <- inRepo (Git.Merge.merge branch mergeconfig commitmode)
 				<||> (resolvemerge <&&> commitResolvedMerge commitmode)
 			-- Merging can cause new associated files to appear
@@ -61,7 +58,6 @@ autoMergeFrom branch currbranch mergeconfig canresolvemerge commitmode = do
 			-- close the database if it was open.
 			Database.Keys.closeDb
 			return r
-		)
 	  where
 		resolvemerge = ifM canresolvemerge
 			( resolveMerge old branch False
@@ -88,13 +84,9 @@ autoMergeFrom branch currbranch mergeconfig canresolvemerge commitmode = do
  - the other as a directory or non-annexed file. The annexed file
  - is renamed to resolve the merge, and the other object is preserved as-is.
  -
- - In indirect mode, the merge is resolved in the work tree and files
+ - The merge is resolved in the work tree and files
  - staged, to clean up from a conflicted merge that was run in the work
  - tree. 
- -
- - In direct mode, the work tree is not touched here; files are staged to
- - the index, and written to the gitAnnexMergeDir, for later handling by
- - the direct mode merge code.
  - 
  - This is complicated by needing to support merges run in an overlay
  - work tree, in which case the CWD won't be within the work tree.
@@ -126,7 +118,7 @@ resolveMerge us them inoverlay = do
 	let merged = not (null mergedfs')
 	void $ liftIO cleanup
 
-	unlessM (pure inoverlay <||> isDirect) $ do
+	unless inoverlay $ do
 		(deleted, cleanup2) <- inRepo (LsFiles.deleted [top])
 		unless (null deleted) $
 			Annex.Queue.addCommand "rm"
@@ -136,7 +128,7 @@ resolveMerge us them inoverlay = do
 
 	when merged $ do
 		Annex.Queue.flush
-		unlessM (pure inoverlay <||> isDirect) $ do
+		unless inoverlay $ do
 			unstagedmap <- inodeMap $ inRepo $ LsFiles.notInRepo False [top]
 			cleanConflictCruft mergedks' mergedfs' unstagedmap
 		showLongNote "Merge conflict was automatically resolved; you may want to examine the result."
@@ -230,12 +222,7 @@ resolveMerge' unstagedmap (Just us) them inoverlay u = do
 			Database.Keys.addAssociatedFile key
 				=<< inRepo (toTopFilePath dest)
 
-	withworktree f a = ifM isDirect
-		( do
-			d <- fromRepo gitAnnexMergeDir
-			a (d </> f)
-		, a f
-		)
+	withworktree f a = a f
 
 	{- Stage a graft of a directory or file from a branch
 	 - and update the work tree. -}
diff --git a/Annex/Content/Direct.hs b/Annex/Content/Direct.hs
index 040070eab0..ef8112f3cd 100644
--- a/Annex/Content/Direct.hs
+++ b/Annex/Content/Direct.hs
@@ -1,7 +1,4 @@
-{- git-annex file content managing for direct mode
- -
- - This is deprecated, and will be removed when direct mode gets removed
- - from git-annex.
+{- git-annex file content managing for old direct mode repositories
  -
  - Copyright 2012-2014 Joey Hess <id@joeyh.name>
  -
@@ -10,22 +7,15 @@
 
 module Annex.Content.Direct (
 	associatedFiles,
-	associatedFilesRelative,
 	removeAssociatedFile,
-	removeAssociatedFileUnchecked,
 	removeAssociatedFiles,
 	addAssociatedFile,
 	goodContent,
 	recordedInodeCache,
 	updateInodeCache,
 	addInodeCache,
-	writeInodeCache,
-	compareInodeCaches,
 	sameInodeCache,
-	elemInodeCaches,
-	sameFileStatus,
 	removeInodeCache,
-	toInodeCache,
 	addContentWhenNotPresent,
 ) where
 
diff --git a/Annex/Direct.hs b/Annex/Direct.hs
index 458f0e5c25..7b02dd1f26 100644
--- a/Annex/Direct.hs
+++ b/Annex/Direct.hs
@@ -1,26 +1,25 @@
 {- git-annex direct mode
  -
- - This is deprecated, and will be removed when direct mode gets removed
- - from git-annex.
+ - This only contains some remnants needed to convert away from direct mode.
  -
  - Copyright 2012-2014 Joey Hess <id@joeyh.name>
  -
  - Licensed under the GNU AGPL version 3 or higher.
  -}
 
-module Annex.Direct where
+module Annex.Direct (
+	switchHEADBack,
+	stageDirect,
+	setIndirect,
+) where
 
 import Annex.Common
 import qualified Annex
 import qualified Git
 import qualified Git.LsFiles
-import qualified Git.Merge
-import qualified Git.DiffTree as DiffTree
 import qualified Git.Config
 import qualified Git.Ref
 import qualified Git.Branch
-import Git.Sha
-import Git.FilePath
 import Git.Types
 import Config
 import Annex.CatFile
@@ -28,17 +27,9 @@ import qualified Annex.Queue
 import Logs.Location
 import Backend
 import Types.KeySource
-import Annex.Content
 import Annex.Content.Direct
 import Annex.Link
 import Utility.InodeCache
-import Utility.CopyFile
-import Annex.Perms
-import Annex.ReplaceFile
-import Annex.VariantFile
-import Git.Index
-import Annex.GitOverlay
-import Annex.LockFile
 import Annex.InodeSentinal
 import Utility.Metered
 
@@ -102,25 +93,6 @@ stageDirect = do
 
 	deletegit file = Annex.Queue.addCommand "rm" [Param "-qf"] [file]
 
-{- Run before a commit to update direct mode bookeeping to reflect the
- - staged changes being committed. -}
-preCommitDirect :: Annex Bool
-preCommitDirect = do
-	(diffs, clean) <- inRepo $ DiffTree.diffIndex Git.Ref.headRef
-	makeabs <- flip fromTopFilePath <$> gitRepo
-	forM_ diffs (go makeabs)
-	liftIO clean
-  where
-	go makeabs diff = do
-		withkey (DiffTree.srcsha diff) (DiffTree.srcmode diff) removeAssociatedFile
-		withkey (DiffTree.dstsha diff) (DiffTree.dstmode diff) addAssociatedFile
-	  where
-		withkey sha _mode a = when (sha /= nullSha) $
-			catKey sha >>= \case
-				Nothing -> noop
-				Just key -> void $ a key $
-					makeabs $ DiffTree.file diff
-
 {- Adds a file to the annex in direct mode. Can fail, if the file is
  - modified or deleted while it's being added. -}
 addDirect :: FilePath -> InodeCache -> Annex Bool
@@ -150,275 +122,14 @@ addDirect file cache = do
 			return False
 		)
 
-{- In direct mode, git merge would usually refuse to do anything, since it
- - sees present direct mode files as type changed files.
- -
- - So, to handle a merge, it's run with the work tree set to a temp
- - directory, and the merge is staged into a copy of the index.
- - Then the work tree is updated to reflect the merge, and
- - finally, the merge is committed and the real index updated.
- -
- - A lock file is used to avoid races with any other caller of mergeDirect.
- - 
- - To avoid other git processes from making changes to the index while our
- - merge is in progress, the index lock file is used as the temp index
- - file. This is the same as what git does when updating the index
- - normally.
- -}
-mergeDirect :: Maybe Git.Ref -> Maybe Git.Ref -> Git.Branch -> Annex Bool -> [Git.Merge.MergeConfig] -> Git.Branch.CommitMode -> Annex Bool
-mergeDirect startbranch oldref branch resolvemerge mergeconfig commitmode = exclusively $ do
-	reali <- liftIO . absPath =<< fromRepo indexFile
-	tmpi <- liftIO . absPath =<< fromRepo (indexFileLock . indexFile)
-	liftIO $ whenM (doesFileExist reali) $
-		copyFile reali tmpi
-
-	d <- fromRepo gitAnnexMergeDir
-	liftIO $ do
-		whenM (doesDirectoryExist d) $
-			removeDirectoryRecursive d
-		createDirectoryIfMissing True d
-
-	withIndexFile tmpi $ do
-		merged <- stageMerge d branch mergeconfig commitmode
-		ok <- if merged
-			then return True
-			else resolvemerge
-		if ok
-			then do
-				mergeDirectCleanup d (fromMaybe Git.Sha.emptyTree oldref)
-				mergeDirectCommit merged startbranch branch commitmode
-				liftIO $ whenM (doesFileExist tmpi) $
-					rename tmpi reali
-			else do
-				liftIO $ nukeFile tmpi
-		liftIO $ removeDirectoryRecursive d
-		return ok
-  where
-	exclusively = withExclusiveLock gitAnnexMergeLock
-
-{- Stage a merge into the index, avoiding changing HEAD or the current
- - branch. -}
-stageMerge :: FilePath -> Git.Branch -> [Git.Merge.MergeConfig] -> Git.Branch.CommitMode -> Annex Bool
-stageMerge d branch mergeconfig commitmode = do
-	-- XXX A bug in git makes stageMerge unsafe to use if the git repo
-	-- is configured with core.symlinks=false
-	-- Using merge is not ideal though, since it will
-	-- update the current branch immediately, before the work tree
-	-- has been updated, which would leave things in an inconsistent
-	-- state if mergeDirectCleanup is interrupted.
-	-- <http://marc.info/?l=git&m=140262402204212&w=2>
-	merger <- ifM (coreSymlinks <$> Annex.getGitConfig)
-		( return $ \ref -> Git.Merge.stageMerge ref mergeconfig
-		, return $ \ref -> Git.Merge.merge ref mergeconfig commitmode
-		)
-	inRepo $ \g -> do
-		wd <- liftIO $ absPath d
-		gd <- liftIO $ absPath $ Git.localGitDir g
-		merger branch $ 
-			g { location = Local { gitdir = gd, worktree = Just (addTrailingPathSeparator wd) } }
-
-{- Commits after a direct mode merge is complete, and after the work
- - tree has been updated by mergeDirectCleanup.
- -}
-mergeDirectCommit :: Bool -> Maybe Git.Ref -> Git.Branch -> Git.Branch.CommitMode -> Annex ()
-mergeDirectCommit allowff old branch commitmode = do
-	void preCommitDirect
-	d <- fromRepo Git.localGitDir
-	let merge_head = d </> "MERGE_HEAD"
-	let merge_msg = d </> "MERGE_MSG"
-	let merge_mode = d </> "MERGE_MODE"
-	ifM (pure allowff <&&> canff)
-		( inRepo $ Git.Branch.update "merge" Git.Ref.headRef branch -- fast forward
-		, do
-			msg <- liftIO $
-				catchDefaultIO ("merge " ++ fromRef branch) $
-					readFile merge_msg
-			void $ inRepo $ Git.Branch.commit commitmode False msg
-				Git.Ref.headRef [Git.Ref.headRef, branch]
-		)
-	liftIO $ mapM_ nukeFile [merge_head, merge_msg, merge_mode]
-  where
-	canff = maybe (return False) (\o -> inRepo $ Git.Branch.fastForwardable o branch) old
-
-mergeDirectCleanup :: FilePath -> Git.Ref -> Annex ()
-mergeDirectCleanup d oldref = updateWorkTree d oldref False
-
-{- Updates the direct mode work tree to reflect the changes staged in the
- - index by a git command, that was run in a temporary work tree.
- -
- - Uses diff-index to compare the staged changes with provided ref
- - which should be the tree before the merge, and applies those
- - changes to the work tree.
- -
- - There are really only two types of changes: An old item can be deleted,
- - or a new item added. Two passes are made, first deleting and then
- - adding. This is to handle cases where eg, a file is deleted and a
- - directory is added. (The diff-tree output may list these in the opposite
- - order, but we cannot add the directory until the file with the
- - same name is removed.)
- -}
-updateWorkTree :: FilePath -> Git.Ref -> Bool -> Annex ()
-updateWorkTree d oldref force = do
-	(items, cleanup) <- inRepo $ DiffTree.diffIndex oldref
-	makeabs <- flip fromTopFilePath <$> gitRepo
-	let fsitems = zip (map (makeabs . DiffTree.file) items) items
-	forM_ fsitems $
-		go makeabs DiffTree.srcsha moveout moveout_raw
-	forM_ fsitems $
-		go makeabs DiffTree.dstsha movein movein_raw
-	void $ liftIO cleanup
-  where
-	go makeabs getsha a araw (f, item)
-		| getsha item == nullSha = noop
-		| otherwise = void $
-			tryNonAsync . maybe (araw item makeabs f) (\k -> void $ a item makeabs k f)
-				=<< catKey (getsha item)
-
-	moveout _ _ = removeDirect
-
-	{- Files deleted by the merge are removed from the work tree.
-	 - Empty work tree directories are removed, per git behavior. -}
-	moveout_raw _ _ f = liftIO $ do
-		nukeFile f
-		void $ tryIO $ removeDirectory $ parentDir f
-	
-	{- If the file is already present, with the right content for the
-	 - key, it's left alone. 
-	 -
-	 - If the file is already present, and does not exist in the
-	 - oldref, preserve this local file.
-	 -
-	 - Otherwise, create the symlink and then if possible, replace it
-	 - with the content. -}
-	movein item makeabs k f = unlessM (goodContent k f) $ do
-		unless force $ preserveUnannexed item makeabs f oldref
-		l <- calcRepo $ gitAnnexLink f k
-		replaceFile f $ makeAnnexLink l
-		toDirect k f
-	
-	{- Any new, modified, or renamed files were written to the temp
-	 - directory by the merge, and are moved to the real work tree. -}
-	movein_raw item makeabs f = do
-		unless force $ preserveUnannexed item makeabs f oldref
-		liftIO $ do
-			createDirectoryIfMissing True $ parentDir f
-			void $ tryIO $ rename (d </> getTopFilePath (DiffTree.file item)) f
-
-{- If the file that's being moved in is already present in the work
- - tree, but did not exist in the oldref, preserve this
- - local, unannexed file (or directory), as "variant-local".
- -
- - It's also possible that the file that's being moved in
- - is in a directory that collides with an exsting, non-annexed
- - file (not a directory), which should be preserved.
- -}
-preserveUnannexed :: DiffTree.DiffTreeItem -> (TopFilePath -> FilePath) -> FilePath -> Ref -> Annex ()
-preserveUnannexed item makeabs absf oldref = do
-	whenM (liftIO (collidingitem absf) <&&> unannexed absf) $
-		liftIO $ findnewname absf 0
-	checkdirs (DiffTree.file item)
-  where
-	checkdirs from = case upFrom (getTopFilePath from) of
-		Nothing -> noop
-		Just p -> do
-			let d = asTopFilePath p
-			let absd = makeabs d
-			whenM (liftIO (colliding_nondir absd) <&&> unannexed absd) $
-				liftIO $ findnewname absd 0
-			checkdirs d
-			
-	collidingitem f = isJust
-		<$> catchMaybeIO (getSymbolicLinkStatus f)
-	colliding_nondir f = maybe False (not . isDirectory)
-		<$> catchMaybeIO (getSymbolicLinkStatus f)
-
-	unannexed f = (isNothing <$> isAnnexLink f)
-		<&&> (isNothing <$> catFileDetails oldref f)
-
-	findnewname :: FilePath -> Int -> IO ()
-	findnewname f n = do
-		let localf = mkVariant f 
-			("local" ++ if n > 0 then show n else "")
-		ifM (collidingitem localf)
-			( findnewname f (n+1)
-			, rename f localf
-				`catchIO` const (findnewname f (n+1))
-			)
-
-{- If possible, converts a symlink in the working tree into a direct
- - mode file. If the content is not available, leaves the symlink
- - unchanged. -}
-toDirect :: Key -> FilePath -> Annex ()
-toDirect k f = fromMaybe noop =<< toDirectGen k f
-
-toDirectGen :: Key -> FilePath -> Annex (Maybe (Annex ()))
-toDirectGen k f = do
-	loc <- calcRepo $ gitAnnexLocation k
-	ifM (liftIO $ doesFileExist loc)
-		( return $ Just $ fromindirect loc
-		, do
-			{- Copy content from another direct file. -}
-			absf <- liftIO $ absPath f
-			dlocs <- filterM (goodContent k) =<<
-				filterM (\l -> isNothing <$> getAnnexLinkTarget l) =<<
-				(filter (/= absf) <$> addAssociatedFile k f)
-			case dlocs of
-				[] -> return Nothing
-				(dloc:_) -> return $ Just $ fromdirect dloc
-		)
-  where
-	fromindirect loc = do
-		{- Move content from annex to direct file. -}
-		updateInodeCache k loc
-		void $ addAssociatedFile k f
-		modifyContent loc $ do
-			thawContent loc
-			liftIO (replaceFileFrom loc f)
-				`catchIO` (\_ -> freezeContent loc)
-	fromdirect loc = do
-		replaceFile f $
-			liftIO . void . copyFileExternal CopyAllMetaData loc
-		updateInodeCache k f
-
-{- Removes a direct mode file, while retaining its content in the annex
- - (unless its content has already been changed). -}
-removeDirect :: Key -> FilePath -> Annex ()
-removeDirect k f = do
-	void $ removeAssociatedFileUnchecked k f
-	unlessM (inAnnex k) $
-		-- If moveAnnex rejects the content of the key,
-		-- treat that the same as its content having changed.
-		ifM (goodContent k f)
-			( unlessM (moveAnnex k f) $
-				logStatus k InfoMissing
-			, logStatus k InfoMissing
-			)
-	liftIO $ do
-		nukeFile f
-		void $ tryIO $ removeDirectory $ parentDir f
-
-{- Called when a direct mode file has been changed. Its old content may be
- - lost. -}
-changedDirect :: Key -> FilePath -> Annex ()
-changedDirect oldk f = do
-	locs <- removeAssociatedFile oldk f
-	whenM (pure (null locs) <&&> not <$> inAnnex oldk) $
-		logStatus oldk InfoMissing
-
-{- Git config settings to enable/disable direct mode. -}
-setDirect :: Bool -> Annex ()
-setDirect wantdirect = do
-	if wantdirect
-		then do
-			switchHEAD
-			setbare
-		else do
-			setbare
-			switchHEADBack
+setIndirect :: Annex ()
+setIndirect = do
+	setbare
+	switchHEADBack
 	setConfig (annexConfig "direct") val
-	Annex.changeGitConfig $ \c -> c { annexDirect = wantdirect }
+	Annex.changeGitConfig $ \c -> c { annexDirect = False }
   where
-	val = Git.Config.boolConfig wantdirect
+	val = Git.Config.boolConfig False
 	coreworktree = ConfigKey "core.worktree"
 	indirectworktree = ConfigKey "core.indirect-worktree"
 	setbare = do
@@ -426,9 +137,7 @@ setDirect wantdirect = do
 		-- core.bare; git does not allow both to be set, so
 		-- unset it when enabling direct mode, caching in
 		-- core.indirect-worktree
-		if wantdirect
-			then moveconfig coreworktree indirectworktree
-			else moveconfig indirectworktree coreworktree
+		moveconfig indirectworktree coreworktree
 		setConfig (ConfigKey Git.Config.coreBare) val
 	moveconfig src dest = getConfigMaybe src >>= \case
 		Nothing -> noop
@@ -437,20 +146,6 @@ setDirect wantdirect = do
 			setConfig dest wt
 			reloadConfig
 
-{- Since direct mode sets core.bare=true, incoming pushes could change
- - the currently checked out branch. To avoid this problem, HEAD
- - is changed to a internal ref that nothing is going to push to.
- -
- - For refs/heads/master, use refs/heads/annex/direct/master;
- - this way things that show HEAD (eg shell prompts) will
- - hopefully show just "master". -}
-directBranch :: Ref -> Ref
-directBranch orighead = case splitc '/' $ fromRef orighead of
-	("refs":"heads":"annex":"direct":_) -> orighead
-	("refs":"heads":rest) ->
-		Ref $ "refs/heads/annex/direct/" ++ intercalate "/" rest
-	_ -> Ref $ "refs/heads/" ++ fromRef (Git.Ref.base orighead)
-
 {- Converts a directBranch back to the original branch.
  -
  - Any other ref is left unchanged.
@@ -461,15 +156,6 @@ fromDirectBranch directhead = case splitc '/' $ fromRef directhead of
 		Ref $ "refs/heads/" ++ intercalate "/" rest
 	_ -> directhead
 
-switchHEAD :: Annex ()
-switchHEAD = maybe noop switch =<< inRepo Git.Branch.currentUnsafe
-  where
-	switch orighead = do
-		let newhead = directBranch orighead
-		maybe noop (inRepo . Git.Branch.update "entering direct mode" newhead)
-			=<< inRepo (Git.Ref.sha orighead)
-		inRepo $ Git.Branch.checkout newhead
-
 switchHEADBack :: Annex ()
 switchHEADBack = maybe noop switch =<< inRepo Git.Branch.currentUnsafe
   where
diff --git a/Annex/Drop.hs b/Annex/Drop.hs
index 3fd3010726..96f0eb7e30 100644
--- a/Annex/Drop.hs
+++ b/Annex/Drop.hs
@@ -17,7 +17,6 @@ import qualified Command.Drop
 import Command
 import Annex.Wanted
 import Config
-import Annex.Content.Direct
 import qualified Database.Keys
 import Git.FilePath
 
@@ -44,20 +43,13 @@ type Reason = String
  - A VerifiedCopy can be provided as an optimisation when eg, a key
  - has just been uploaded to a remote.
  -
- - In direct mode, all associated files are checked, and only if all
- - of them are unwanted are they dropped.
- -
  - The runner is used to run CommandStart sequentially, it's typically 
  - callCommandAction.
  -}
 handleDropsFrom :: [UUID] -> [Remote] -> Reason -> Bool -> Key -> AssociatedFile -> [VerifiedCopy] -> (CommandStart -> CommandCleanup) -> Annex ()
 handleDropsFrom locs rs reason fromhere key afile preverified runner = do
-	l <- ifM isDirect
-		( associatedFilesRelative key
-		, do
-			g <- Annex.gitRepo
-			map (`fromTopFilePath` g) <$> Database.Keys.getAssociatedFiles key
-		)
+	g <- Annex.gitRepo
+	l <- map (`fromTopFilePath` g) <$> Database.Keys.getAssociatedFiles key
 	let fs = case afile of
 		AssociatedFile (Just f) -> nub (f : l)
 		AssociatedFile Nothing -> l
diff --git a/Annex/Ingest.hs b/Annex/Ingest.hs
index 376aa46c74..e3be3393fa 100644
--- a/Annex/Ingest.hs
+++ b/Annex/Ingest.hs
@@ -13,7 +13,6 @@ module Annex.Ingest (
 	ingestAdd',
 	ingest,
 	ingest',
-	finishIngestDirect,
 	finishIngestUnlocked,
 	cleanOldKeys,
 	addLink,
@@ -28,7 +27,6 @@ import Annex.Common
 import Types.KeySource
 import Backend
 import Annex.Content
-import Annex.Content.Direct
 import Annex.Perms
 import Annex.Link
 import Annex.MetaData
@@ -137,14 +135,9 @@ ingestAdd' meterupdate ld@(Just (LockedDown cfg source)) mk = do
 			let f = keyFilename source
 			if lockingFile cfg
 				then addLink f k mic
-				else ifM isDirect
-					( do
-						l <- calcRepo $ gitAnnexLink f k
-						stageSymlink f =<< hashSymlink l
-					, do
-						mode <- liftIO $ catchMaybeIO $ fileMode <$> getFileStatus (contentLocation source)
-						stagePointerFile f mode =<< hashPointerFile k
-					)
+				else do
+					mode <- liftIO $ catchMaybeIO $ fileMode <$> getFileStatus (contentLocation source)
+					stagePointerFile f mode =<< hashPointerFile k
 			return (Just k)
 
 {- Ingests a locked down file into the annex. Does not update the working
@@ -170,10 +163,7 @@ ingest' preferredbackend meterupdate (Just (LockedDown cfg source)) mk restage =
   where
 	go (Just key) mcache (Just s)
 		| lockingFile cfg = golocked key mcache s
-		| otherwise = ifM isDirect
-			( godirect key mcache s
-			, gounlocked key mcache s
-			)
+		| otherwise = gounlocked key mcache s
 	go _ _ _ = failure "failed to generate a key"
 
 	golocked key mcache s =
@@ -197,12 +187,6 @@ ingest' preferredbackend meterupdate (Just (LockedDown cfg source)) mk restage =
 				success key (Just cache) s
 	gounlocked _ _ _ = failure "failed statting file"
 
-	godirect key (Just cache) s = do
-		addInodeCache key cache
-		finishIngestDirect key source
-		success key (Just cache) s
-	godirect _ _ _ = failure "failed statting file"
-
 	success k mcache s = do
 		genMetaData k (keyFilename source) s
 		return (Just k, mcache)
@@ -212,16 +196,6 @@ ingest' preferredbackend meterupdate (Just (LockedDown cfg source)) mk restage =
 		cleanCruft source
 		return (Nothing, Nothing)
 
-finishIngestDirect :: Key -> KeySource -> Annex ()
-finishIngestDirect key source = do
-	void $ addAssociatedFile key $ keyFilename source
-	cleanCruft source
-
-	{- Copy to any other locations using the same key. -}
-	otherfs <- filter (/= keyFilename source) <$> associatedFiles key
-	forM_ otherfs $
-		addContentWhenNotPresent key (keyFilename source)
-
 finishIngestUnlocked :: Key -> KeySource -> Annex ()
 finishIngestUnlocked key source = do
 	cleanCruft source
@@ -333,7 +307,7 @@ forceParams = ifM (Annex.getState Annex.force)
  - Also, when in an adjusted unlocked branch, always add files unlocked.
  -}
 addUnlocked :: Annex Bool
-addUnlocked = isDirect <||>
+addUnlocked =
 	(versionSupportsUnlockedPointers <&&>
 	 ((not . coreSymlinks <$> Annex.getGitConfig) <||>
 	  (annexAddUnlocked <$> Annex.getGitConfig) <||>
@@ -352,7 +326,7 @@ addUnlocked = isDirect <||>
  - When the content of the key is not accepted into the annex, returns False.
  -}
 addAnnexedFile :: FilePath -> Key -> Maybe FilePath -> Annex Bool
-addAnnexedFile file key mtmp = ifM (addUnlocked <&&> not <$> isDirect)
+addAnnexedFile file key mtmp = ifM addUnlocked
 	( do
 		mode <- maybe
 			(pure Nothing)
@@ -371,15 +345,8 @@ addAnnexedFile file key mtmp = ifM (addUnlocked <&&> not <$> isDirect)
 				)
 	, do
 		addLink file key Nothing
-		whenM isDirect $ do
-			void $ addAssociatedFile key file
 		case mtmp of
-			Just tmp -> do
-				{- For moveAnnex to work in direct mode, the
-				 - symlink must already exist, so flush the queue. -}
-				whenM isDirect $
-					Annex.Queue.flush
-				moveAnnex key tmp
+			Just tmp -> moveAnnex key tmp
 			Nothing -> return True
 	)
   where
diff --git a/Annex/Init.hs b/Annex/Init.hs
index 0dfd1b9a90..e1a869b13e 100644
--- a/Annex/Init.hs
+++ b/Annex/Init.hs
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ import Annex.WorkTree
 import Config
 import Config.Files
 import Config.Smudge
-import Annex.Direct
+import qualified Annex.Direct as Direct
 import qualified Annex.AdjustedBranch as AdjustedBranch
 import Annex.Environment
 import Annex.Hook
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ initialize' mversion = checkCanInitialize  $ do
 				-- Handle case where this repo was cloned from a
 				-- direct mode repo
 				, unlessM isBareRepo
-					switchHEADBack
+					Direct.switchHEADBack
 				)
 	propigateSecureHashesOnly
 	createInodeSentinalFile False
diff --git a/Annex/UpdateInstead.hs b/Annex/UpdateInstead.hs
index a3a1decb67..7dde49e240 100644
--- a/Annex/UpdateInstead.hs
+++ b/Annex/UpdateInstead.hs
@@ -9,17 +9,15 @@ module Annex.UpdateInstead where
 
 import qualified Annex
 import Annex.Common
-import Config
 import Annex.Version
 import Annex.AdjustedBranch
 import Git.Branch
 import Git.ConfigTypes
 
-{- receive.denyCurrentBranch=updateInstead does not work in direct mode
- - repositories or when an adjusted branch is checked out, so must be
- - emulated. -}
+{- receive.denyCurrentBranch=updateInstead does not work
+ - when an adjusted branch is checked out, so must be emulated. -}
 needUpdateInsteadEmulation :: Annex Bool
-needUpdateInsteadEmulation = updateinsteadset <&&> (isDirect <||> isadjusted)
+needUpdateInsteadEmulation = updateinsteadset <&&> isadjusted
   where
 	updateinsteadset = (== UpdateInstead) . receiveDenyCurrentBranch
 		<$> Annex.getGitConfig
diff --git a/Assistant/Threads/Committer.hs b/Assistant/Threads/Committer.hs
index 865f7b0ca5..5a07893266 100644
--- a/Assistant/Threads/Committer.hs
+++ b/Assistant/Threads/Committer.hs
@@ -36,7 +36,6 @@ import Annex.Version
 import Annex.CurrentBranch
 import qualified Annex
 import Utility.InodeCache
-import Annex.Content.Direct
 import qualified Database.Keys
 import qualified Command.Sync
 import qualified Git.Branch
@@ -245,7 +244,7 @@ commitStaged msg = do
  - access the file after closing it. -}
 delayaddDefault :: Annex (Maybe Seconds)
 #ifdef darwin_HOST_OS
-delayaddDefault = ifM (isDirect <||> versionSupportsUnlockedPointers)
+delayaddDefault = ifM versionSupportsUnlockedPointers
 	( return Nothing
 	, return $ Just $ Seconds 1
 	)
@@ -275,14 +274,13 @@ delayaddDefault = return Nothing
 handleAdds :: FilePath -> Bool -> Maybe Seconds -> [Change] -> Assistant [Change]
 handleAdds lockdowndir havelsof delayadd cs = returnWhen (null incomplete) $ do
 	let (pending, inprocess) = partition isPendingAddChange incomplete
-	direct <- liftAnnex isDirect
 	unlocked <- liftAnnex versionSupportsUnlockedPointers
-	let lockingfiles = not (unlocked || direct)
+	let lockingfiles = not unlocked
 	let lockdownconfig = LockDownConfig
 		{ lockingFile = lockingfiles
 		, hardlinkFileTmpDir = Just lockdowndir
 		}
-	(pending', cleanup) <- if unlocked || direct
+	(pending', cleanup) <- if unlocked
 		then return (pending, noop)
 		else findnew pending
 	(postponed, toadd) <- partitionEithers
@@ -296,9 +294,9 @@ handleAdds lockdowndir havelsof delayadd cs = returnWhen (null incomplete) $ do
 		added <- addaction toadd $
 			catMaybes <$>
 				if not lockingfiles
-					then addunlocked direct toadd
+					then addunlocked toadd
 					else forM toadd (add lockdownconfig)
-		if DirWatcher.eventsCoalesce || null added || unlocked || direct
+		if DirWatcher.eventsCoalesce || null added || unlocked
 			then return $ added ++ otherchanges
 			else do
 				r <- handleAdds lockdowndir havelsof delayadd =<< getChanges
@@ -341,10 +339,10 @@ handleAdds lockdowndir havelsof delayadd cs = returnWhen (null incomplete) $ do
 	 - same InodeCache as the new file. If so, we can just update
 	 - bookkeeping, and stage the file in git.
 	 -}
-	addunlocked :: Bool -> [Change] -> Assistant [Maybe Change]
-	addunlocked isdirect toadd = do
+	addunlocked :: [Change] -> Assistant [Maybe Change]
+	addunlocked toadd = do
 		ct <- liftAnnex compareInodeCachesWith
-		m <- liftAnnex $ removedKeysMap isdirect ct cs
+		m <- liftAnnex $ removedKeysMap ct cs
 		delta <- liftAnnex getTSDelta
 		let cfg = LockDownConfig
 			{ lockingFile = False
@@ -359,26 +357,22 @@ handleAdds lockdowndir havelsof delayadd cs = returnWhen (null incomplete) $ do
 					Just cache ->
 						case M.lookup (inodeCacheToKey ct cache) m of
 							Nothing -> add cfg c
-							Just k -> fastadd isdirect c k
+							Just k -> fastadd c k
 
-	fastadd :: Bool -> Change -> Key -> Assistant (Maybe Change)
-	fastadd isdirect change key = do
+	fastadd :: Change -> Key -> Assistant (Maybe Change)
+	fastadd change key = do
 		let source = keySource $ lockedDown change
-		liftAnnex $ if isdirect
-			then finishIngestDirect key source
-			else finishIngestUnlocked key source
+		liftAnnex $ finishIngestUnlocked key source
 		done change Nothing (keyFilename source) key
 
-	removedKeysMap :: Bool -> InodeComparisonType -> [Change] -> Annex (M.Map InodeCacheKey Key)
-	removedKeysMap isdirect ct l = do
+	removedKeysMap :: InodeComparisonType -> [Change] -> Annex (M.Map InodeCacheKey Key)
+	removedKeysMap ct l = do
 		mks <- forM (filter isRmChange l) $ \c ->
 			catKeyFile $ changeFile c
 		M.fromList . concat <$> mapM mkpairs (catMaybes mks)
 	  where
 		mkpairs k = map (\c -> (inodeCacheToKey ct c, k)) <$>
-			if isdirect
-				then recordedInodeCache k
-				else Database.Keys.getInodeCaches k
+			Database.Keys.getInodeCaches k
 
 	failedingest change = do
 		refill [retryChange change]
@@ -392,11 +386,8 @@ handleAdds lockdowndir havelsof delayadd cs = returnWhen (null incomplete) $ do
 				mode <- liftIO $ catchMaybeIO $ fileMode <$> getFileStatus file
 				stagePointerFile file mode =<< hashPointerFile key
 			, do
-				link <- ifM isDirect
-					( calcRepo $ gitAnnexLink file key
-					, makeLink file key mcache
-					)
-				whenM (pure DirWatcher.eventsCoalesce <||> isDirect) $
+				link <- makeLink file key mcache
+				when DirWatcher.eventsCoalesce $
 					stageSymlink file =<< hashSymlink link
 			)
 		showEndOk
diff --git a/Assistant/Threads/SanityChecker.hs b/Assistant/Threads/SanityChecker.hs
index abdba7d91a..bc65d9aa6f 100644
--- a/Assistant/Threads/SanityChecker.hs
+++ b/Assistant/Threads/SanityChecker.hs
@@ -32,7 +32,6 @@ import Utility.ThreadScheduler
 import qualified Assistant.Threads.Watcher as Watcher
 import Utility.Batch
 import Utility.NotificationBroadcaster
-import Config
 import Utility.HumanTime
 import Utility.Tense
 import Git.Repair
@@ -200,8 +199,7 @@ dailyCheck urlrenderer = do
 		liftAnnex $ warning msg
 		void $ addAlert $ sanityCheckFixAlert msg
 	addsymlink file s = do
-		isdirect <- liftAnnex isDirect
-		Watcher.runHandler (Watcher.onAddSymlink isdirect) file s
+		Watcher.runHandler Watcher.onAddSymlink file s
 		insanity $ "found unstaged symlink: " ++ file
 
 hourlyCheck :: Assistant ()
diff --git a/Assistant/Threads/Watcher.hs b/Assistant/Threads/Watcher.hs
index b24f6c479d..93a137a5f5 100644
--- a/Assistant/Threads/Watcher.hs
+++ b/Assistant/Threads/Watcher.hs
@@ -23,14 +23,13 @@ import Assistant.Types.Changes
 import Assistant.Alert
 import Utility.DirWatcher
 import Utility.DirWatcher.Types
+import Utility.InodeCache
 import qualified Annex
 import qualified Annex.Queue
 import qualified Git
 import qualified Git.UpdateIndex
 import qualified Git.LsFiles as LsFiles
 import Annex.WorkTree
-import Annex.Direct
-import Annex.Content.Direct
 import Annex.CatFile
 import Annex.CheckIgnore
 import Annex.Link
@@ -41,7 +40,6 @@ import Annex.Version
 import Annex.InodeSentinal
 import Git.Types
 import Git.FilePath
-import Config
 import Config.GitConfig
 import Utility.ThreadScheduler
 import Logs.Location
@@ -92,16 +90,13 @@ runWatcher :: Assistant ()
 runWatcher = do
 	startup <- asIO1 startupScan
 	matcher <- liftAnnex largeFilesMatcher
-	direct <- liftAnnex isDirect
 	unlocked <- liftAnnex versionSupportsUnlockedPointers
 	symlinkssupported <- liftAnnex $ coreSymlinks <$> Annex.getGitConfig
 	addhook <- hook $ if unlocked
 		then onAddUnlocked symlinkssupported matcher
-		else if direct
-			then onAddDirect symlinkssupported matcher
-			else onAdd matcher
+		else onAdd matcher
 	delhook <- hook onDel
-	addsymlinkhook <- hook $ onAddSymlink direct
+	addsymlinkhook <- hook onAddSymlink
 	deldirhook <- hook onDelDir
 	errhook <- hook onErr
 	let hooks = mkWatchHooks
@@ -224,7 +219,7 @@ onAddUnlocked :: Bool -> GetFileMatcher -> Handler
 onAddUnlocked symlinkssupported matcher f fs = do
 	mk <- liftIO $ isPointerFile f
 	case mk of
-		Nothing -> onAddUnlocked' False contentchanged addassociatedfile addlink samefilestatus symlinkssupported matcher f fs
+		Nothing -> onAddUnlocked' contentchanged addassociatedfile addlink samefilestatus symlinkssupported matcher f fs
 		Just k -> addlink f k
   where
 	addassociatedfile key file = 
@@ -247,27 +242,15 @@ onAddUnlocked symlinkssupported matcher f fs = do
 		liftAnnex $ stagePointerFile file mode =<< hashPointerFile key
 		madeChange file $ LinkChange (Just key)
 
-{- In direct mode, add events are received for both new files, and
- - modified existing files.
- -}
-onAddDirect :: Bool -> GetFileMatcher -> Handler
-onAddDirect = onAddUnlocked' True changedDirect addassociatedfile addlink sameFileStatus
-  where
-	addassociatedfile key file = void $ addAssociatedFile key file
-	addlink file key = do
-		link <- liftAnnex $ calcRepo $ gitAnnexLink file key
-		addLink file link (Just key)
-
 onAddUnlocked'
-	:: Bool
-	-> (Key -> FilePath -> Annex ())
+	:: (Key -> FilePath -> Annex ())
 	-> (Key -> FilePath -> Annex ())
 	-> (FilePath -> Key -> Assistant (Maybe Change))
 	-> (Key -> FilePath -> FileStatus -> Annex Bool)
 	-> Bool
 	-> GetFileMatcher
 	-> Handler
-onAddUnlocked' isdirect contentchanged addassociatedfile addlink samefilestatus symlinkssupported matcher file fs = do
+onAddUnlocked' contentchanged addassociatedfile addlink samefilestatus symlinkssupported matcher file fs = do
 	v <- liftAnnex $ catKeyFile file
 	case (v, fs) of
 		(Just key, Just filestatus) ->
@@ -306,31 +289,28 @@ onAddUnlocked' isdirect contentchanged addassociatedfile addlink samefilestatus
 						Nothing -> noop
 						Just key -> liftAnnex $
 							addassociatedfile key file
-					onAddSymlink' (Just $ fromRawFilePath lt) mk isdirect file fs
+					onAddSymlink' (Just $ fromRawFilePath lt) mk file fs
 
 {- A symlink might be an arbitrary symlink, which is just added.
  - Or, if it is a git-annex symlink, ensure it points to the content
  - before adding it.
  -}
-onAddSymlink :: Bool -> Handler
-onAddSymlink isdirect file filestatus = unlessIgnored file $ do
+onAddSymlink :: Handler
+onAddSymlink file filestatus = unlessIgnored file $ do
 	linktarget <- liftIO (catchMaybeIO $ readSymbolicLink file)
 	kv <- liftAnnex (lookupFile file)
-	onAddSymlink' linktarget kv isdirect file filestatus
+	onAddSymlink' linktarget kv file filestatus
 
-onAddSymlink' :: Maybe String -> Maybe Key -> Bool -> Handler
-onAddSymlink' linktarget mk isdirect file filestatus = go mk
+onAddSymlink' :: Maybe String -> Maybe Key -> Handler
+onAddSymlink' linktarget mk file filestatus = go mk
   where
 	go (Just key) = do
-		when isdirect $
-			liftAnnex $ void $ addAssociatedFile key file
 		link <- liftAnnex $ calcRepo $ gitAnnexLink file key
 		if linktarget == Just link
 			then ensurestaged (Just link) =<< getDaemonStatus
 			else do
-				unless isdirect $
-					liftAnnex $ replaceFile file $
-						makeAnnexLink link
+				liftAnnex $ replaceFile file $
+					makeAnnexLink link
 				addLink file link (Just key)
 	-- other symlink, not git-annex
 	go Nothing = ensurestaged linktarget =<< getDaemonStatus
@@ -376,11 +356,8 @@ onDel file _ = do
 onDel' :: FilePath -> Annex ()
 onDel' file = do
 	topfile <- inRepo (toTopFilePath file)
-	ifM versionSupportsUnlockedPointers
-		( withkey $ flip Database.Keys.removeAssociatedFile topfile
-		, whenM isDirect $
-			withkey $ \key -> void $ removeAssociatedFile key file
-		)
+	whenM versionSupportsUnlockedPointers $
+		withkey $ flip Database.Keys.removeAssociatedFile topfile
 	Annex.Queue.addUpdateIndex =<<
 		inRepo (Git.UpdateIndex.unstageFile file)
   where
diff --git a/Command.hs b/Command.hs
index f64c8dc055..54415d026a 100644
--- a/Command.hs
+++ b/Command.hs
@@ -24,7 +24,6 @@ import CmdLine.Batch as ReExported
 import Options.Applicative as ReExported hiding (command)
 import qualified Git
 import Annex.Init
-import Config
 import Utility.Daemon
 import Types.Transfer
 import Types.ActionItem
@@ -120,10 +119,6 @@ commonChecks = [repoExists]
 repoExists :: CommandCheck
 repoExists = CommandCheck 0 ensureInitialized
 
-notDirect :: Command -> Command
-notDirect = addCheck $ whenM isDirect $
-	giveup "You cannot run this command in a direct mode repository."
-
 notBareRepo :: Command -> Command
 notBareRepo = addCheck $ whenM (fromRepo Git.repoIsLocalBare) $
 	giveup "You cannot run this command in a bare repository."
diff --git a/Command/Add.hs b/Command/Add.hs
index 9304f2835a..322349378a 100644
--- a/Command/Add.hs
+++ b/Command/Add.hs
@@ -11,7 +11,6 @@ import Command
 import Annex.Ingest
 import Logs.Location
 import Annex.Content
-import Annex.Content.Direct
 import qualified Annex
 import qualified Annex.Queue
 import qualified Database.Keys
@@ -73,8 +72,7 @@ seek o = startConcurrency commandStages $ do
 			go withFilesMaybeModified
 			ifM versionSupportsUnlockedPointers
 				( go withUnmodifiedUnlockedPointers
-				, unlessM isDirect $
-					go withFilesOldUnlocked
+				, go withFilesOldUnlocked
 				)
 
 {- Pass file off to git-add. -}
@@ -116,13 +114,7 @@ start file = do
 		( liftIO (catchMaybeIO $ getSymbolicLinkStatus file) >>= \case
 			Just s | isSymbolicLink s -> fixuplink key
 			_ -> add
-		, ifM isDirect
-			( liftIO (catchMaybeIO $ getSymbolicLinkStatus file) >>= \case
-				Just s | isSymbolicLink s -> fixuplink key
-				_ -> ifM (goodContent key file)
-					( stop , add )
-			, fixuplink key
-			)
+		, fixuplink key
 		)
 	fixuplink key = starting "add" (ActionItemWorkTreeFile file) $ do
 		-- the annexed symlink is present but not yet added to git
diff --git a/Command/AddUnused.hs b/Command/AddUnused.hs
index 5aa035fe4d..025b25e4d0 100644
--- a/Command/AddUnused.hs
+++ b/Command/AddUnused.hs
@@ -13,10 +13,9 @@ import Annex.Ingest
 import Command.Unused (withUnusedMaps, UnusedMaps(..), startUnused)
 
 cmd :: Command
-cmd = notDirect $ 
-	command "addunused" SectionMaintenance 
-		"add back unused files"
-		(paramRepeating paramNumRange) (withParams seek)
+cmd = command "addunused" SectionMaintenance 
+	"add back unused files"
+	(paramRepeating paramNumRange) (withParams seek)
 
 seek :: CmdParams -> CommandSeek
 seek = withUnusedMaps start
diff --git a/Command/Adjust.hs b/Command/Adjust.hs
index 6930e2c7be..679f98ad35 100644
--- a/Command/Adjust.hs
+++ b/Command/Adjust.hs
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ import Command
 import Annex.AdjustedBranch
 
 cmd :: Command
-cmd = notBareRepo $ notDirect $ noDaemonRunning $
+cmd = notBareRepo $ noDaemonRunning $
 	command "adjust" SectionSetup "enter adjusted branch"
 		paramNothing (seek <$$> optParser)
 
diff --git a/Command/Fix.hs b/Command/Fix.hs
index 6432a46ff0..1711f5bd4d 100644
--- a/Command/Fix.hs
+++ b/Command/Fix.hs
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ import System.Posix.Files
 #endif
 
 cmd :: Command
-cmd = notDirect $ noCommit $ withGlobalOptions [annexedMatchingOptions] $
+cmd = noCommit $ withGlobalOptions [annexedMatchingOptions] $
 	command "fix" SectionMaintenance
 		"fix up links to annexed content"
 		paramPaths (withParams seek)
diff --git a/Command/FromKey.hs b/Command/FromKey.hs
index cc9491264f..7f1ef6f474 100644
--- a/Command/FromKey.hs
+++ b/Command/FromKey.hs
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ import qualified Backend.URL
 import Network.URI
 
 cmd :: Command
-cmd = notDirect $ notBareRepo $ withGlobalOptions [jsonOptions] $
+cmd = notBareRepo $ withGlobalOptions [jsonOptions] $
 	command "fromkey" SectionPlumbing "adds a file using a specific key"
 		(paramRepeating (paramPair paramKey paramPath))
 		(seek <$$> optParser)
diff --git a/Command/Fsck.hs b/Command/Fsck.hs
index 5f5b873348..c18e8d2430 100644
--- a/Command/Fsck.hs
+++ b/Command/Fsck.hs
@@ -15,8 +15,6 @@ import qualified Remote
 import qualified Types.Backend
 import qualified Backend
 import Annex.Content
-import qualified Annex.Content.Direct as Direct
-import Annex.Direct
 import Annex.Perms
 import Annex.Link
 import Logs.Location
@@ -28,7 +26,6 @@ import Annex.NumCopies
 import Annex.UUID
 import Annex.ReplaceFile
 import Utility.DataUnits
-import Config
 import Utility.HumanTime
 import Utility.CopyFile
 import Git.FilePath
@@ -225,16 +222,15 @@ fixLink key file = do
  - in this repository only. -}
 verifyLocationLog :: Key -> KeyStatus -> ActionItem -> Annex Bool
 verifyLocationLog key keystatus ai = do
-	direct <- isDirect
 	obj <- calcRepo $ gitAnnexLocation key
-	present <- if not direct && isKeyUnlockedThin keystatus
+	present <- if isKeyUnlockedThin keystatus
 		then liftIO (doesFileExist obj)
 		else inAnnex key
 	u <- getUUID
 	
 	{- Since we're checking that a key's object file is present, throw
 	 - in a permission fixup here too. -}
-	when (present && not direct) $ do
+	when present $ do
 		void $ tryIO $ case keystatus of
 			KeyUnlockedThin -> thawContent obj
 			KeyLockedThin -> thawContent obj
@@ -252,9 +248,7 @@ verifyLocationLog key keystatus ai = do
 		whenM (annexSecureHashesOnly <$> Annex.getGitConfig) $
 			warning $ "** Despite annex.securehashesonly being set, " ++ obj ++ " has content present in the annex using an insecure " ++ decodeBS (formatKeyVariety (keyVariety key)) ++ " key"
 
-	{- In direct mode, modified files will show up as not present,
-	 - but that is expected and not something to do anything about. -}
-	if direct && not present
+	if not present
 		then return True
 		else verifyLocationLog' key ai present u (logChange key u)
 
@@ -319,56 +313,38 @@ verifyRequiredContent _ _ = return True
 {- Verifies the associated file records. -}
 verifyAssociatedFiles :: Key -> KeyStatus -> FilePath -> Annex Bool
 verifyAssociatedFiles key keystatus file = do
-	ifM isDirect (godirect, goindirect)
-	return True
-  where
-	godirect = do
-		fs <- Direct.addAssociatedFile key file
-		forM_ fs $ \f -> 
-			unlessM (liftIO $ doesFileExist f) $
-				void $ Direct.removeAssociatedFile key f
-	goindirect = when (isKeyUnlockedThin keystatus) $ do
+	when (isKeyUnlockedThin keystatus) $ do
 		f <- inRepo $ toTopFilePath file
 		afs <- Database.Keys.getAssociatedFiles key
 		unless (getTopFilePath f `elem` map getTopFilePath afs) $
 			Database.Keys.addAssociatedFile key f
+	return True
 
 verifyWorkTree :: Key -> FilePath -> Annex Bool
 verifyWorkTree key file = do
-	ifM isDirect ( godirect, goindirect )
-	return True
-  where
-	{- Ensures that files whose content is available are in direct mode. -}
-	godirect = whenM (isJust <$> isAnnexLink file) $ do
-		v <- toDirectGen key file
-		case v of
-			Nothing -> noop
-			Just a -> do
-				showNote "fixing direct mode"
-				a
 	{- Make sure that a pointer file is replaced with its content,
 	 - when the content is available. -}
-	goindirect = do
-		mk <- liftIO $ isPointerFile file
-		case mk of
-			Just k | k == key -> whenM (inAnnex key) $ do
-				showNote "fixing worktree content"
-				replaceFile file $ \tmp -> do
-					mode <- liftIO $ catchMaybeIO $ fileMode <$> getFileStatus file
-					ifM (annexThin <$> Annex.getGitConfig)
-						( void $ linkFromAnnex key tmp mode
-						, do
-							obj <- calcRepo $ gitAnnexLocation key
-							void $ checkedCopyFile key obj tmp mode
-							thawContent tmp
-						)
-				Database.Keys.storeInodeCaches key [file]
-			_ -> return ()
+	mk <- liftIO $ isPointerFile file
+	case mk of
+		Just k | k == key -> whenM (inAnnex key) $ do
+			showNote "fixing worktree content"
+			replaceFile file $ \tmp -> do
+				mode <- liftIO $ catchMaybeIO $ fileMode <$> getFileStatus file
+				ifM (annexThin <$> Annex.getGitConfig)
+					( void $ linkFromAnnex key tmp mode
+					, do
+						obj <- calcRepo $ gitAnnexLocation key
+						void $ checkedCopyFile key obj tmp mode
+						thawContent tmp
+					)
+			Database.Keys.storeInodeCaches key [file]
+		_ -> return ()
+	return True
 
 {- The size of the data for a key is checked against the size encoded in
  - the key's metadata, if available.
  -
- - Not checked when a file is unlocked, or in direct mode.
+ - Not checked when a file is unlocked.
  -}
 checkKeySize :: Key -> KeyStatus -> ActionItem -> Annex Bool
 checkKeySize _ KeyUnlockedThin _ = return True
@@ -439,28 +415,15 @@ checkKeyUpgrade _ _ _ (AssociatedFile Nothing) =
  - thus when the user modifies the file, the object will be modified and
  - not pass the check, and we don't want to find an error in this case.
  - So, skip the check if the key is unlocked and modified.
- -
- - In direct mode this is not done if the file has clearly been modified,
- - because modification of direct mode files is allowed. It's still done
- - if the file does not appear modified, to catch disk corruption, etc.
  -}
 checkBackend :: Backend -> Key -> KeyStatus -> AssociatedFile -> Annex Bool
-checkBackend backend key keystatus afile = go =<< isDirect
-  where
-	go False = do
-		content <- calcRepo $ gitAnnexLocation key
-		ifM (pure (isKeyUnlockedThin keystatus) <&&> (not <$> isUnmodified key content))
-			( nocheck
-			, checkBackendOr badContent backend key content ai
-			)
-	go True = case afile of
-		AssociatedFile Nothing -> nocheck
-		AssociatedFile (Just f) -> checkdirect f
-	checkdirect file = ifM (Direct.goodContent key file)
-		( checkBackendOr' (badContentDirect file) backend key file ai
-			(Direct.goodContent key file)
-		, nocheck
+checkBackend backend key keystatus afile = do
+	content <- calcRepo $ gitAnnexLocation key
+	ifM (pure (isKeyUnlockedThin keystatus) <&&> (not <$> isUnmodified key content))
+		( nocheck
+		, checkBackendOr badContent backend key content ai
 		)
+  where
 	nocheck = return True
 
 	ai = mkActionItem (key, afile)
@@ -475,7 +438,7 @@ checkBackendOr bad backend key file ai =
 
 -- The postcheck action is run after the content is verified,
 -- in order to detect situations where the file is changed while being
--- verified (particularly in direct mode).
+-- verified.
 checkBackendOr' :: (Key -> Annex String) -> Backend -> Key -> FilePath -> ActionItem -> Annex Bool -> Annex Bool
 checkBackendOr' bad backend key file ai postcheck =
 	case Types.Backend.verifyKeyContent backend of
@@ -546,14 +509,6 @@ badContent key = do
 	dest <- moveBad key
 	return $ "moved to " ++ dest
 
-{- Bad content is left where it is, but we touch the file, so it'll be
- - committed to a new key. -}
-badContentDirect :: FilePath -> Key -> Annex String
-badContentDirect file key = do
-	void $ liftIO $ catchMaybeIO $ touchFile file
-	logStatus key InfoMissing
-	return "left in place for you to examine"
-
 {- Bad content is dropped from the remote. We have downloaded a copy
  - from the remote to a temp file already (in some cases, it's just a
  - symlink to a file in the remote). To avoid any further data loss,
@@ -714,16 +669,13 @@ isKeyUnlockedThin KeyPresent = False
 isKeyUnlockedThin KeyMissing = False
 
 getKeyStatus :: Key -> Annex KeyStatus
-getKeyStatus key = ifM isDirect
-	( return KeyUnlockedThin
-	, catchDefaultIO KeyMissing $ do
-		afs <- not . null <$> Database.Keys.getAssociatedFiles key
-		obj <- calcRepo $ gitAnnexLocation key
-		multilink <- ((> 1) . linkCount <$> liftIO (getFileStatus obj))
-		return $ if multilink && afs
-			then KeyUnlockedThin
-			else KeyPresent
-	)
+getKeyStatus key = catchDefaultIO KeyMissing $ do
+	afs <- not . null <$> Database.Keys.getAssociatedFiles key
+	obj <- calcRepo $ gitAnnexLocation key
+	multilink <- ((> 1) . linkCount <$> liftIO (getFileStatus obj))
+	return $ if multilink && afs
+		then KeyUnlockedThin
+		else KeyPresent
 
 getKeyFileStatus :: Key -> FilePath -> Annex KeyStatus
 getKeyFileStatus key file = do
diff --git a/Command/FuzzTest.hs b/Command/FuzzTest.hs
index de872bc1f7..5e0812516e 100644
--- a/Command/FuzzTest.hs
+++ b/Command/FuzzTest.hs
@@ -155,7 +155,6 @@ data FuzzAction
 	= FuzzAdd FuzzFile
 	| FuzzDelete FuzzFile
 	| FuzzMove FuzzFile FuzzFile
-	| FuzzModify FuzzFile
 	| FuzzDeleteDir FuzzDir
 	| FuzzMoveDir FuzzDir FuzzDir
 	| FuzzPause Delay
@@ -166,7 +165,6 @@ instance Arbitrary FuzzAction where
 		[ (50, FuzzAdd <$> arbitrary)
 		, (50, FuzzDelete <$> arbitrary)
 		, (10, FuzzMove <$> arbitrary <*> arbitrary)
-		, (10, FuzzModify <$> arbitrary)
 		, (10, FuzzDeleteDir <$> arbitrary)
 		, (10, FuzzMoveDir <$> arbitrary <*> arbitrary)
 		, (10, FuzzPause <$> arbitrary)
@@ -180,9 +178,6 @@ runFuzzAction (FuzzAdd (FuzzFile f)) = liftIO $ do
 runFuzzAction (FuzzDelete (FuzzFile f)) = liftIO $ nukeFile f
 runFuzzAction (FuzzMove (FuzzFile src) (FuzzFile dest)) = liftIO $
 	rename src dest
-runFuzzAction (FuzzModify (FuzzFile f)) = whenM isDirect $ liftIO $ do
-	n <- getStdRandom random :: IO Int
-	appendFile f $ show n ++ "\n"
 runFuzzAction (FuzzDeleteDir (FuzzDir d)) = liftIO $
 	removeDirectoryRecursive d
 runFuzzAction (FuzzMoveDir (FuzzDir src) (FuzzDir dest)) = liftIO $
@@ -216,9 +211,6 @@ genFuzzAction = do
 		FuzzDeleteDir _ -> do
 			d <- liftIO existingDir
 			maybe genFuzzAction (return . FuzzDeleteDir) d
-		FuzzModify _ -> do
-			f <- liftIO $ existingFile 0 ""
-			maybe genFuzzAction (return . FuzzModify) f
 		FuzzPause _ -> return tmpl
 
 existingFile :: Int -> FilePath -> IO (Maybe FuzzFile)
diff --git a/Command/Info.hs b/Command/Info.hs
index c6dce7db5e..7e62ce56bf 100644
--- a/Command/Info.hs
+++ b/Command/Info.hs
@@ -31,7 +31,6 @@ import Logs.Trust
 import Logs.Location
 import Annex.NumCopies
 import Remote
-import Config
 import Git.Config (boolConfig)
 import qualified Git.LsTree as LsTree
 import Utility.Percentage
@@ -318,12 +317,9 @@ showStat s = maybe noop calc =<< s
 
 repository_mode :: Stat
 repository_mode = simpleStat "repository mode" $ lift $
-	ifM isDirect 
-		( return "direct"
-		, ifM (fromRepo Git.repoIsLocalBare)
-			( return "bare"
-			, return "indirect"
-			)
+	ifM (fromRepo Git.repoIsLocalBare)
+		( return "bare"
+		, return "indirect"
 		)
 
 repo_list :: TrustLevel -> Stat
diff --git a/Command/Lock.hs b/Command/Lock.hs
index c42def8411..7932673270 100644
--- a/Command/Lock.hs
+++ b/Command/Lock.hs
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ import Logs.Location
 import Git.FilePath
 	
 cmd :: Command
-cmd = notDirect $ withGlobalOptions [jsonOptions, annexedMatchingOptions] $
+cmd = withGlobalOptions [jsonOptions, annexedMatchingOptions] $
 	command "lock" SectionCommon
 		"undo unlock command"
 		paramPaths (withParams seek)
diff --git a/Command/Migrate.hs b/Command/Migrate.hs
index 3bc7c08146..ca656e028d 100644
--- a/Command/Migrate.hs
+++ b/Command/Migrate.hs
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ import Logs.Web
 import Utility.Metered
 
 cmd :: Command
-cmd = notDirect $ withGlobalOptions [annexedMatchingOptions] $
+cmd = withGlobalOptions [annexedMatchingOptions] $
 	command "migrate" SectionUtility 
 		"switch data to different backend"
 		paramPaths (withParams seek)
diff --git a/Command/Multicast.hs b/Command/Multicast.hs
index e34ef56ac7..f6242e0214 100644
--- a/Command/Multicast.hs
+++ b/Command/Multicast.hs
@@ -27,7 +27,6 @@ import Utility.Hash
 import Utility.Tmp
 import Utility.Tmp.Dir
 import Utility.Process.Transcript
-import Config
 
 import Data.Char
 import qualified Data.ByteString.Lazy.UTF8 as B8
@@ -128,8 +127,6 @@ send ups fs = do
 	-- In a direct mode repository, the annex objects do not have
 	-- the names of keys, and would have to be copied, which is too
 	-- expensive.
-	whenM isDirect $
-		giveup "Sorry, multicast send cannot be done from a direct mode repository."
 	starting "sending files" (ActionItemOther Nothing) $
 		withTmpFile "send" $ \t h -> do
 			fs' <- seekHelper LsFiles.inRepo =<< workTreeItems fs
diff --git a/Command/PreCommit.hs b/Command/PreCommit.hs
index 56b3805ae6..5672843d15 100644
--- a/Command/PreCommit.hs
+++ b/Command/PreCommit.hs
@@ -10,11 +10,9 @@
 module Command.PreCommit where
 
 import Command
-import Config
 import qualified Command.Add
 import qualified Command.Fix
 import qualified Command.Smudge
-import Annex.Direct
 import Annex.Hook
 import Annex.Link
 import Annex.View
@@ -38,50 +36,45 @@ cmd = command "pre-commit" SectionPlumbing
 	(withParams seek)
 
 seek :: CmdParams -> CommandSeek
-seek ps = lockPreCommitHook $ ifM isDirect
-	( do
-		-- update direct mode mappings for committed files
-		withWords (commandAction . startDirect) ps
-		runAnnexHook preCommitAnnexHook
-	, do
-		ifM (not <$> versionSupportsUnlockedPointers <&&> liftIO Git.haveFalseIndex)
-			( do
-				(fs, cleanup) <- inRepo $ Git.typeChangedStaged ps
-				whenM (anyM isOldUnlocked fs) $
-					giveup "Cannot make a partial commit with unlocked annexed files. You should `git annex add` the files you want to commit, and then run git commit."
-				void $ liftIO cleanup
-			, do
-				l <- workTreeItems ps
-				-- fix symlinks to files being committed
-				flip withFilesToBeCommitted l $ \f -> commandAction $
-					maybe stop (Command.Fix.start Command.Fix.FixSymlinks f)
-						=<< isAnnexLink f
-				ifM versionSupportsUnlockedPointers
-					-- after a merge conflict or git
-					-- cherry-pick or stash, pointer
-					-- files in the worktree won't
-					-- be populated, so populate them
-					-- here
-					( Command.Smudge.updateSmudged 
-						-- When there's a false index,
-						-- restaging the files won't work.
-						. Restage =<< liftIO Git.haveFalseIndex
-					-- inject unlocked files into the annex
-					-- (not needed when repo version uses
-					-- unlocked pointer files)
-					, withFilesOldUnlockedToBeCommitted (commandAction . startInjectUnlocked) l
-					)
-			)
-		runAnnexHook preCommitAnnexHook
-		-- committing changes to a view updates metadata
-		mv <- currentView
-		case mv of
-			Nothing -> noop
-			Just v -> withViewChanges
-				(addViewMetaData v)
-				(removeViewMetaData v)
-	)
+seek ps = lockPreCommitHook $ do
+	ifM (not <$> versionSupportsUnlockedPointers <&&> liftIO Git.haveFalseIndex)
+		( do
+			(fs, cleanup) <- inRepo $ Git.typeChangedStaged ps
+			whenM (anyM isOldUnlocked fs) $
+				giveup "Cannot make a partial commit with unlocked annexed files. You should `git annex add` the files you want to commit, and then run git commit."
+			void $ liftIO cleanup
+		, do
+			l <- workTreeItems ps
+			-- fix symlinks to files being committed
+			flip withFilesToBeCommitted l $ \f -> commandAction $
+				maybe stop (Command.Fix.start Command.Fix.FixSymlinks f)
+					=<< isAnnexLink f
+			ifM versionSupportsUnlockedPointers
+				-- after a merge conflict or git
+				-- cherry-pick or stash, pointer
+				-- files in the worktree won't
+				-- be populated, so populate them
+				-- here
+				( Command.Smudge.updateSmudged 
+					-- When there's a false index,
+					-- restaging the files won't work.
+					. Restage =<< liftIO Git.haveFalseIndex
+				-- inject unlocked files into the annex
+				-- (not needed when repo version uses
+				-- unlocked pointer files)
+				, withFilesOldUnlockedToBeCommitted (commandAction . startInjectUnlocked) l
+				)
+		)
 	
+	runAnnexHook preCommitAnnexHook
+
+	-- committing changes to a view updates metadata
+	mv <- currentView
+	case mv of
+		Nothing -> noop
+		Just v -> withViewChanges
+			(addViewMetaData v)
+			(removeViewMetaData v)
 
 startInjectUnlocked :: FilePath -> CommandStart
 startInjectUnlocked f = startingCustomOutput (ActionItemOther Nothing) $ do
@@ -89,10 +82,6 @@ startInjectUnlocked f = startingCustomOutput (ActionItemOther Nothing) $ do
 		error $ "failed to add " ++ f ++ "; canceling commit"
 	next $ return True
 
-startDirect :: [String] -> CommandStart
-startDirect _ = startingCustomOutput (ActionItemOther Nothing) $ 
-	next preCommitDirect
-
 addViewMetaData :: View -> ViewedFile -> Key -> CommandStart
 addViewMetaData v f k = starting "metadata" (mkActionItem (k, f)) $
 	next $ changeMetaData k $ fromView v f
diff --git a/Command/ReKey.hs b/Command/ReKey.hs
index fd543fd789..6670298ae5 100644
--- a/Command/ReKey.hs
+++ b/Command/ReKey.hs
@@ -21,11 +21,10 @@ import Annex.InodeSentinal
 import Utility.InodeCache
 
 cmd :: Command
-cmd = notDirect $ 
-	command "rekey" SectionPlumbing
-		"change keys used for files"
-		(paramRepeating $ paramPair paramPath paramKey)
-		(seek <$$> optParser)
+cmd = command "rekey" SectionPlumbing
+	"change keys used for files"
+	(paramRepeating $ paramPair paramPath paramKey)
+	(seek <$$> optParser)
 
 data ReKeyOptions = ReKeyOptions
 	{ reKeyThese :: CmdParams
diff --git a/Command/RegisterUrl.hs b/Command/RegisterUrl.hs
index c9d72ee2d3..d13889a9b7 100644
--- a/Command/RegisterUrl.hs
+++ b/Command/RegisterUrl.hs
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ import Command.FromKey (mkKey)
 import qualified Remote
 
 cmd :: Command
-cmd = notDirect $ notBareRepo $
+cmd = notBareRepo $
 	command "registerurl"
 		SectionPlumbing "registers an url for a key"
 		(paramPair paramKey paramUrl)
diff --git a/Command/Status.hs b/Command/Status.hs
index d667342475..e9c2b3580e 100644
--- a/Command/Status.hs
+++ b/Command/Status.hs
@@ -8,11 +8,7 @@
 module Command.Status where
 
 import Command
-import Annex.CatFile
-import Annex.Content.Direct
-import Config
 import Git.Status
-import qualified Git.Ref
 import Git.FilePath
 
 cmd :: Command
@@ -42,10 +38,7 @@ seek o = withWords (commandAction . start o) (statusFiles o)
 start :: StatusOptions -> [FilePath] -> CommandStart
 start o locs = do
 	(l, cleanup) <- inRepo $ getStatus ps locs
-	getstatus <- ifM isDirect
-		( return (maybe (pure Nothing) statusDirect . simplifiedStatus)
-		, return (pure . simplifiedStatus)
-		)
+	let getstatus = pure . simplifiedStatus
 	forM_ l $ \s -> maybe noop displayStatus =<< getstatus s
 	ifM (liftIO cleanup)
 		( stop
@@ -71,38 +64,3 @@ displayStatus s = do
 	f <- liftIO $ relPathCwdToFile absf
 	unlessM (showFullJSON $ JSONChunk [("status", [c]), ("file", f)]) $
 		liftIO $ putStrLn $ [c] ++ " " ++ f
-
--- Git thinks that present direct mode files are typechanged.
--- (On crippled filesystems, git instead thinks they're modified.)
--- Check their content to see if they are modified or not.
-statusDirect :: Status -> Annex (Maybe Status)
-statusDirect (TypeChanged t) = statusDirect' t
-statusDirect s@(Modified t) = ifM crippledFileSystem
-	( statusDirect' t
-	, pure (Just s)
-	)
-statusDirect s = pure (Just s)
-
-statusDirect' :: TopFilePath -> Annex (Maybe Status)
-statusDirect' t = do
-	absf <- fromRepo $ fromTopFilePath t
-	f <- liftIO $ relPathCwdToFile absf
-	v <- liftIO (catchMaybeIO $ getFileStatus f)
-	case v  of
-		Nothing -> return $ Just $ Deleted t
-		Just s
-			| not (isSymbolicLink s) ->
-				checkkey f s =<< catKeyFile f
-			| otherwise -> Just <$> checkNew f t
-  where
-	checkkey f s (Just k) = ifM (sameFileStatus k f s)
-		( return Nothing
-		, return $ Just $ Modified t
-		)
-	checkkey f _ Nothing = Just <$> checkNew f t
-
-checkNew :: FilePath -> TopFilePath -> Annex Status
-checkNew f t = ifM (isJust <$> catObjectDetails (Git.Ref.fileRef f))
-	( return (Modified t)
-	, return (Untracked t)
-	)
diff --git a/Command/Sync.hs b/Command/Sync.hs
index 94d34fe06a..0e941a4300 100644
--- a/Command/Sync.hs
+++ b/Command/Sync.hs
@@ -30,7 +30,6 @@ import qualified Annex
 import qualified Annex.Branch
 import qualified Remote
 import qualified Types.Remote as Remote
-import Annex.Direct
 import Annex.Hook
 import qualified Git.Command
 import qualified Git.LsFiles as LsFiles
@@ -250,7 +249,7 @@ merge currbranch mergeconfig resolvemergeoverride commitmode tomerge = case curr
 		ResolveMergeOverride False -> return False
 
 syncBranch :: Git.Branch -> Git.Branch
-syncBranch = Git.Ref.underBase "refs/heads/synced" . fromDirectBranch . fromAdjustedBranch
+syncBranch = Git.Ref.underBase "refs/heads/synced" . fromAdjustedBranch
 
 remoteBranch :: Remote -> Git.Ref -> Git.Ref
 remoteBranch remote = Git.Ref.underBase $ "refs/remotes/" ++ Remote.name remote
@@ -286,20 +285,14 @@ commit :: SyncOptions -> CommandStart
 commit o = stopUnless shouldcommit $ starting "commit" (ActionItemOther Nothing) $ do
 	commitmessage <- maybe commitMsg return (messageOption o)
 	Annex.Branch.commit =<< Annex.Branch.commitMessage
-	next $ ifM isDirect
-		( do
-			void stageDirect
-			void preCommitDirect
-			commitStaged Git.Branch.ManualCommit commitmessage
-		, do
-			showOutput
-			void $ inRepo $ Git.Branch.commitCommand Git.Branch.ManualCommit
-				[ Param "-a"
-				, Param "-m"
-				, Param commitmessage
-				]
-			return True
-		)
+	next $ do
+		showOutput
+		void $ inRepo $ Git.Branch.commitCommand Git.Branch.ManualCommit
+			[ Param "-a"
+			, Param "-m"
+			, Param commitmessage
+			]
+		return True
   where
 	shouldcommit = pure (commitOption o)
 		<||> (pure (not (noCommitOption o)) <&&> getGitConfigVal annexAutoCommit)
@@ -378,12 +371,6 @@ updateBranches (Just branch, madj) = do
 	-- Update the sync branch to match the new state of the branch
 	inRepo $ updateBranch (syncBranch branch) branch
 
-	-- In direct mode, we're operating on some special direct mode
-	-- branch, rather than the intended branch, so update the intended
-	-- branch.
-	whenM isDirect $
-		inRepo $ updateBranch (fromDirectBranch branch) branch
-
 updateBranch :: Git.Branch -> Git.Branch -> Git.Repo -> IO ()
 updateBranch syncbranch updateto g = 
 	unlessM go $ giveup $ "failed to update " ++ Git.fromRef syncbranch
@@ -449,7 +436,7 @@ mergeRemote remote currbranch mergeconfig resolvemergeoverride = ifM isBareRepo
 		(mapM (merge currbranch mergeconfig resolvemergeoverride Git.Branch.ManualCommit . remoteBranch remote) =<< getlist)
 	tomerge = filterM (changed remote)
 	branchlist Nothing = []
-	branchlist (Just branch) = [fromDirectBranch (fromAdjustedBranch branch), syncBranch branch]
+	branchlist (Just branch) = [fromAdjustedBranch branch, syncBranch branch]
 
 pushRemote :: SyncOptions -> Remote -> CurrBranch -> CommandStart
 pushRemote _o _remote (Nothing, _) = stop
@@ -540,7 +527,7 @@ pushBranch remote branch g = directpush `after` annexpush `after` syncpush
 		-- receive.denyCurrentBranch=updateInstead -- the user
 		-- will want to see that one.
 		let p = flip Git.Command.gitCreateProcess g $ pushparams
-			[ Git.fromRef $ Git.Ref.base $ fromDirectBranch $ fromAdjustedBranch branch ]
+			[ Git.fromRef $ Git.Ref.base $ fromAdjustedBranch branch ]
 		(transcript, ok) <- processTranscript' p Nothing
 		when (not ok && not ("denyCurrentBranch" `isInfixOf` transcript)) $
 			hPutStr stderr transcript
diff --git a/Command/Unannex.hs b/Command/Unannex.hs
index 362a92efd1..85a82d41d5 100644
--- a/Command/Unannex.hs
+++ b/Command/Unannex.hs
@@ -8,11 +8,9 @@
 module Command.Unannex where
 
 import Command
-import Config
 import qualified Annex
 import Annex.Content
 import Annex.Perms
-import Annex.Content.Direct
 import Annex.Version
 import qualified Git.Command
 import qualified Git.Branch
@@ -34,7 +32,7 @@ seek ps = wrapUnannex $
 	(withFilesInGit $ commandAction . whenAnnexed start) =<< workTreeItems ps
 
 wrapUnannex :: Annex a -> Annex a
-wrapUnannex a = ifM (versionSupportsUnlockedPointers <||> isDirect)
+wrapUnannex a = ifM versionSupportsUnlockedPointers
 	( a
 	{- Run with the pre-commit hook disabled, to avoid confusing
 	 - behavior if an unannexed file is added back to git as
@@ -68,13 +66,10 @@ wrapUnannex a = ifM (versionSupportsUnlockedPointers <||> isDirect)
 start :: FilePath -> Key -> CommandStart
 start file key = stopUnless (inAnnex key) $
 	starting "unannex" (mkActionItem (key, file)) $
-		ifM isDirect
-			( performDirect file key
-			, performIndirect file key
-			)
+		perform file key
 
-performIndirect :: FilePath -> Key -> CommandPerform
-performIndirect file key = do
+perform :: FilePath -> Key -> CommandPerform
+perform file key = do
 	liftIO $ removeFile file
 	inRepo $ Git.Command.run
 		[ Param "rm"
@@ -84,10 +79,10 @@ performIndirect file key = do
 		, Param "--"
 		, File file
 		]
-	next $ cleanupIndirect file key
+	next $ cleanup file key
 
-cleanupIndirect :: FilePath -> Key -> CommandCleanup
-cleanupIndirect file key = do
+cleanup :: FilePath -> Key -> CommandCleanup
+cleanup file key = do
 	Database.Keys.removeAssociatedFile key =<< inRepo (toTopFilePath file)
 	src <- calcRepo $ gitAnnexLocation key
 	ifM (Annex.getState Annex.fast)
@@ -112,28 +107,3 @@ cleanupIndirect file key = do
 			( return True
 			, copyfrom src
 			)
-
-performDirect :: FilePath -> Key -> CommandPerform
-performDirect file key = do
-	-- --force is needed when the file is not committed
-	inRepo $ Git.Command.run
-		[ Param "rm"
-		, Param "--cached"
-		, Param "--force"
-		, Param "--quiet"
-		, Param "--"
-		, File file
-		]
-	next $ cleanupDirect file key
-
-{- The direct mode file is not touched during unannex, so the content
- - is already where it needs to be, so this does not need to do anything
- - except remove it from the associated file map (which also updates
- - the location log if this was the last copy), and, if this was the last
- - associated file, remove the inode cache. -}
-cleanupDirect :: FilePath -> Key -> CommandCleanup
-cleanupDirect file key = do
-	fs <- removeAssociatedFile key file
-	when (null fs) $
-		removeInodeCache key
-	return True
diff --git a/Command/Undo.hs b/Command/Undo.hs
index 0daa37eaaa..53ef50c9f0 100644
--- a/Command/Undo.hs
+++ b/Command/Undo.hs
@@ -9,7 +9,6 @@ module Command.Undo where
 
 import Command
 import Config
-import Annex.Direct
 import Annex.CatFile
 import Git.DiffTree
 import Git.FilePath
@@ -37,9 +36,7 @@ seek ps = do
 
 	-- Committing staged changes before undo allows later
 	-- undoing the undo. It would be nicer to only commit staged
-	-- changes to the specified files, rather than all staged changes,
-	-- but that is difficult to do; a partial git-commit can't be done 
-	-- in direct mode.
+	-- changes to the specified files, rather than all staged changes.
 	void $ Command.Sync.commitStaged Git.Branch.ManualCommit
 		"commit before undo"
 	
@@ -68,16 +65,10 @@ perform p = do
 
 	forM_ removals $ \di -> do
 		f <- mkrel di
-		whenM isDirect $
-			maybe noop (`removeDirect` f)
-				=<< catKey (srcsha di)
 		liftIO $ nukeFile f
 
 	forM_ adds $ \di -> do
 		f <- mkrel di
 		inRepo $ Git.run [Param "checkout", Param "--", File f]
-		whenM isDirect $
-			maybe noop (`toDirect` f)
-				=<< catKey (dstsha di)
 
 	next $ liftIO cleanup
diff --git a/Command/Unlock.hs b/Command/Unlock.hs
index 579e71caf5..05a4f3493b 100644
--- a/Command/Unlock.hs
+++ b/Command/Unlock.hs
@@ -25,9 +25,8 @@ editcmd :: Command
 editcmd = mkcmd "edit" "same as unlock"
 
 mkcmd :: String -> String -> Command
-mkcmd n d = notDirect $ 
-	withGlobalOptions [jsonOptions, annexedMatchingOptions] $
-		command n SectionCommon d paramPaths (withParams seek)
+mkcmd n d = withGlobalOptions [jsonOptions, annexedMatchingOptions] $
+	command n SectionCommon d paramPaths (withParams seek)
 
 seek :: CmdParams -> CommandSeek
 seek ps = withFilesInGit (commandAction . whenAnnexed start) =<< workTreeItems ps
diff --git a/Command/VAdd.hs b/Command/VAdd.hs
index c18e542e34..d758374f36 100644
--- a/Command/VAdd.hs
+++ b/Command/VAdd.hs
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ import Annex.View
 import Command.View (checkoutViewBranch)
 
 cmd :: Command
-cmd = notBareRepo $ notDirect $
+cmd = notBareRepo $
 	command "vadd" SectionMetaData 
 		"add subdirs to current view"
 		(paramRepeating "FIELD=GLOB")
diff --git a/Command/VCycle.hs b/Command/VCycle.hs
index 93627f2f44..b34c436122 100644
--- a/Command/VCycle.hs
+++ b/Command/VCycle.hs
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ import Logs.View
 import Command.View (checkoutViewBranch)
 
 cmd :: Command
-cmd = notBareRepo $ notDirect $
+cmd = notBareRepo $
 	command "vcycle" SectionMetaData
 		"switch view to next layout"
 		paramNothing (withParams seek)
diff --git a/Command/VFilter.hs b/Command/VFilter.hs
index 74eb55e620..62c44e0588 100644
--- a/Command/VFilter.hs
+++ b/Command/VFilter.hs
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ import Annex.View
 import Command.View (paramView, checkoutViewBranch)
 
 cmd :: Command
-cmd = notBareRepo $ notDirect $
+cmd = notBareRepo $
 	command "vfilter" SectionMetaData "filter current view"
 		paramView (withParams seek)
 
diff --git a/Command/VPop.hs b/Command/VPop.hs
index 05ddfa39cf..2bf1706549 100644
--- a/Command/VPop.hs
+++ b/Command/VPop.hs
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ import Logs.View
 import Command.View (checkoutViewBranch)
 
 cmd :: Command
-cmd = notBareRepo $ notDirect $
+cmd = notBareRepo $
 	command "vpop" SectionMetaData "switch back to previous view"
 		paramNumber (withParams seek)
 
diff --git a/Command/View.hs b/Command/View.hs
index 7c10ab1586..88b9a4866d 100644
--- a/Command/View.hs
+++ b/Command/View.hs
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ import Annex.View
 import Logs.View
 
 cmd :: Command
-cmd = notBareRepo $ notDirect $
+cmd = notBareRepo $
 	command "view" SectionMetaData "enter a view branch"
 		paramView (withParams seek)
 
diff --git a/Upgrade/V4.hs b/Upgrade/V4.hs
index 33f8d089d3..bb3cca044d 100644
--- a/Upgrade/V4.hs
+++ b/Upgrade/V4.hs
@@ -8,16 +8,8 @@
 module Upgrade.V4 where
 
 import Annex.Common
-import Config
-import Annex.Direct
 
-{- Direct mode only upgrade. v4 to v5 indirect update is a no-op -}
+{- Was only used for direct mode upgrade. v4 to v5 indirect update is a no-op,
+ - and direct mode is no longer supported, so nothing needs to be done. -}
 upgrade :: Bool -> Annex Bool
-upgrade automatic = ifM isDirect
-	( do
-		unless automatic $
-			showAction "v4 to v5"
-		setDirect True
-		return True
-	, return True
-	)
+upgrade _automatic = return True
diff --git a/Upgrade/V5.hs b/Upgrade/V5.hs
index 064c9f4652..859e605b54 100644
--- a/Upgrade/V5.hs
+++ b/Upgrade/V5.hs
@@ -13,11 +13,11 @@ import Config
 import Config.Smudge
 import Annex.InodeSentinal
 import Annex.Link
-import Annex.Direct
 import Annex.Content
 import Annex.CatFile
 import Annex.WorkTree
 import qualified Database.Keys
+import qualified Annex.Direct as Direct
 import qualified Annex.Content.Direct as Direct
 import qualified Git
 import qualified Git.LsFiles
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ upgrade automatic = do
 	-- locking down files as they were added. In v6, it's used more
 	-- extensively, so make sure it exists, since old repos that didn't
 	-- use direct mode may not have created it.
-	unlessM (isDirect) $
+	unlessM isDirect $
 		createInodeSentinalFile True
 	return True
 
@@ -62,12 +62,12 @@ convertDirect automatic = do
 	{- Since upgrade from direct mode changes how files
 	 - are represented in git, by checking out an adjusted
 	 - branch, commit any changes in the work tree first. -}
-	whenM stageDirect $ do
+	whenM Direct.stageDirect $ do
 		unless automatic $
 			showAction "committing first"
 		upgradeDirectCommit automatic
 			"commit before upgrade to annex.version 6"
-	setDirect False
+	Direct.setIndirect
 	cur <- fromMaybe (error "Somehow no branch is checked out")
 		<$> inRepo Git.Branch.current
 	upgradeDirectWorkTree