wordpresss on 18.04 wp admin pages just downloads a php file

Every time i click on pages or all pages in wp-admin, I download a php file instead of viewing the pages. I’ve heard this can be a htaccess file issue but can’t locate it to edit and debug. I’ve disabled all plugins and still nothing but a file download and when i open it is has all sorts of stuff i don’t really understand but seems to have to do with a notification for permission of something.

I’m brand new to ubuntu and linux but learning commands like nano to view or edit docs in the console.

I tried to locate the htaccess but the main locations didn’t have any.

I think i need some help.