Solved Start menu expand icons into unused space

Is there any way I can use the space outlined in red for icons?

That way I don't need to scroll to see all of the icons.

You can't completely get rid of recommended items but wait a couple of months for 22H2. You will then have this option for choosing the start menu layout for adding more pins.

Start menu and Taskbar improvements​

Windows 11 22H2 brings new settings to customize the “Recommended” section in the Start menu. While it’s still not possible to disable and remove the feature, you can now choose from three different options in the Start settings page to show fewer recommended items and more pins, including “More pins,” “Default,” and “More recommendations.”

Start settings layout
The “More pins” only shows a single row of items and allows you to show more pins. The “Default” option shows three rows of recommended items and three rows of pin items, and the “More Recommendations” option offers more recommended items and two rows of pins.

Start menu recommended options (Source: Microsoft)
In addition, this new version adds another entry in the right-click context menu for the “Recommended” and “More” buttons in the Start menu to refresh the items.

2allmyhaters said:

Is there any way I can use the space outlined in red for icons?

Click to expand...

Yes, you just need to wait for the next release of Windows 11, 22H2 due out shortly. If you want it right now you'd have to join Insiders and choose the Release Preview Channel.