diff --git a/.config/make/pre-commit.mak b/.config/make/pre-commit.mak
index 716b182f4..c23adc230 100644
--- a/.config/make/pre-commit.mak
+++ b/.config/make/pre-commit.mak
@@ -3,9 +3,10 @@
 .NOTPARALLEL: pre-commit pre-pr dev-check
 
 .PHONY: setup-hooks
-setup-hooks: ## Set up git hooks
+setup-hooks: ## Install the configured pre-commit hooks
 	@echo "🔧 Setting up git hooks..."
-	chmod +x .git/hooks/pre-commit
+	pre-commit validate-config
+	pre-commit install
 	@echo "✅ Git hooks setup complete!"
 
 .PHONY: doc-paths-check
diff --git a/.pre-commit-config.yaml b/.pre-commit-config.yaml
index 947c4ffbb..083bf9dff 100644
--- a/.pre-commit-config.yaml
+++ b/.pre-commit-config.yaml
@@ -3,9 +3,9 @@
 repos:
   - repo: local
     hooks:
-      - id: rustfs-dev-check
-        name: rustfs dev-check
-        entry: make dev-check
+      - id: rustfs-fmt-check
+        name: Rust formatting
+        entry: cargo fmt --all --check
         language: system
         types: [rust]
         pass_filenames: false
diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index 13bf35c08..4af869ef5 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -109,24 +109,17 @@ affected boundaries and risks. CI still runs its configured repository gates.
 
 ### 🔒 Git Pre-commit Hooks (optional)
 
-Git hooks are **not** versioned in this repository, so a fresh clone has no
-active pre-commit hook. If you add your own `.git/hooks/pre-commit` (a good
-choice is a one-liner that runs `make pre-commit`), you can mark it executable
-with:
+The optional hook uses the checked-in `.pre-commit-config.yaml`. Install [pre-commit](https://pre-commit.com/#installation), then run this from the checkout or a linked worktree:
 
 ```bash
 make setup-hooks
 ```
 
-Or manually:
+The hook runs `cargo fmt --all --check` when staged files include Rust source. It does not compile the workspace or run tests. Fix formatting with `cargo fmt --all`, inspect and stage the result, then commit again.
 
-```bash
-chmod +x .git/hooks/pre-commit
-```
+`pre-commit install` resolves Git's hook directory for linked worktrees and preserves an existing hook in migration mode. If you use `core.hooksPath`, keep that hook manager and integrate `pre-commit run` there; the installer refuses to silently replace that configuration.
 
-With or without a hook, follow the verification tiers in `AGENTS.md`. Run the
-applicable scoped checks, and reserve `make pre-pr` for broad cross-module
-changes whose impact cannot be bounded by those checks.
+A local hook provides early formatting feedback. With or without it, follow the verification tiers in `AGENTS.md`, run relevant behavioral tests, and satisfy the CI merge gates. `make pre-commit` and `make dev-check` remain explicit broader commands.
 
 ### 📝 Formatting Configuration
 
@@ -138,31 +131,11 @@ fn_call_width = 90
 single_line_let_else_max_width = 100
 ```
 
-### 🚫 Commit Prevention
-
-If you set up a pre-commit hook and your code doesn't meet the formatting requirements, the hook will:
-
-1. **Block the commit** and show clear error messages
-2. **Provide exact commands** to fix the issues
-3. **Guide you through** the resolution process
-
-Example output when formatting fails:
-
-```
-❌ Code formatting check failed!
-💡 Please run 'cargo fmt --all' to format your code before committing.
-
-🔧 Quick fix:
-   cargo fmt --all
-   git add .
-   git commit
-```
-
 ### 🔄 Development Workflow
 
 1. **Make your changes**
 2. **Format your code**: `make fmt` or `cargo fmt --all`
-3. **Run the fast gate**: `make pre-commit` (no clippy, no tests)
+3. **Select relevant checks** using the validation tier in `AGENTS.md`; use `make pre-commit` when its broader fast gate adds useful coverage
 4. **Commit your changes**: `git commit -m "your message"`
 5. **Complete the applicable multi-role adversarial review** for non-exempt changes (see `AGENTS.md`)
 6. **Run applicable scoped checks before opening/updating a PR**; consider
@@ -206,11 +179,12 @@ Configure your IDE to:
 #### Pre-commit hook not running?
 
 ```bash
-# Check if hook is executable
-ls -la .git/hooks/pre-commit
-
-# Make it executable if needed
-chmod +x .git/hooks/pre-commit
+pre-commit validate-config
+pre-commit run --all-files
+# Inspect any configured hook manager; do not overwrite it.
+git config --get core.hooksPath
+# Install if no separate hook manager is configured.
+make setup-hooks
 ```
 
 #### Formatting issues?