PROBLEM:
What is the difference between Initial Update and Automatic Update? When should I use Initial Update and when should I use Automatic Update?
SOLUTION:
Initial Update is designed as a one-time update that processes all approved Microsoft patches applicable to a managed machines based on the Patch Policy. The Initial Update installs patches one batch at a time and ignores the Reboot action by rebooting the machine without warning the user as often as neessary till all patches are installed. It is not uncommon for a machine to be rebooted 5-10 times for all Microsoft patches to be successfully installed.
Automatic Update is the preferred method of updating managed Microsoft Operating System machines. Compared to Initial Update, Automatic Update follows the defined reboot action. Unlike Initial Update, that can only be scheduled once, Automatic Update be be scheduled daily, weekly, and monthly so that patches are installed at regular intervals and as they are released.
Because of the way Initial Update installs patches, we recommend that this primarily be used for new machines that have yet to have any patches installed and are not in production yet. Once Initial Update is done, then schedule Automatic Updates to ensure that the machine remains up to date.